Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is set to sign two public safety bills on Thursday aimed at cracking down on law enforcement impersonation.
FILE - NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 05: Masked federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court on August 05, 2025. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is set to sign two public safety bills on Thursday aimed at cracking down on law enforcement impersonation and limiting when officers can conceal their identities.
Ferguson will sign the measures at 11 a.m. at El Centro de la Raza in Seattle, marking his first community bill signing of the year, according to a press release.One measure, House Bill 2165, creates a new crime targeting people who falsely present themselves as law enforcement officers. The law makes it a gross misdemeanor to knowingly use badges, insignia, vehicles, or other items to misrepresent oneself as a peace officer or to suggest property belongs to a law enforcement agency. Supporters say the bill is intended to address growing concerns about individuals posing as officers - in some cases using fake badges or police-style vehicles - to deceive or harm others.The second measure, Senate Bill 5855, restricts law enforcement officers from wearing masks or other face coverings that obscure their identities while interacting with the public. The policy applies broadly to federal, state, and local officers, with some exceptions such as medical or tactical needs. Democratic lawmakers backing the bill have argued that visible identification is essential for public trust and accountability, particularly amid concerns about masked immigration enforcement operations. Together, the bills reflect a broader push in Washington and other states to strengthen transparency in policing while addressing public safety risks tied to impersonation.Ferguson has supported both measures, framing them as steps to protect communities and ensure residents can clearly identify who is exercising law enforcement authority.A teenager who had been missing for about a month has been rescued by the FBI and the accused captor has been arrested.A judge set bail at $100,000 Wednesday for a 40-year-old man accused of causing nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after allegedly breaking into thFor more than a month, the search for Nancy Guthrie has played out in Tucson, Arizona, with the mystery surrounding her disappearance only growing.Gov. Bob Ferguson is reacting to the news of the abuse allegations made against the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.Police say a man caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after breaking into Chihuly Garden and Glass and attacking a security guard.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WA Gov. Ferguson signs bill dropping degree requirements for state jobsWashington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a bill Tuesday dropping postgraduate degree requirements for certain state jobs.
Read more »
Juliana Stratton wins Illinois Senate Democratic primary in key test of Pritzker's influenceWASHINGTON — Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton emerged victorious Tuesday from a bruising Democratic primary to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), in a key test of billionaire Gov. JB Pri…
Read more »
7 Years Later, Rebecca Ferguson's Forgotten Fantasy Saga Makes Incredible Streaming ComebackChris McPherson is a Senior Author in News for Collider who focuses on Taylor Sheridan, Harry Potter, Dad TV, box office, blockbuster movies and more.
Read more »
Governor Ferguson signs bill prohibiting double voting in WashingtonGovernor Bob Ferguson signed a bill on Tuesday that prohibits double voting in Washington elections by fixing an ambiguity in the state's law.
Read more »
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver againWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson's office announced he will meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver again on Monday, just before league owners meet to discuss NBA ex
Read more »
Bob Dylan coming to WA for Chateau Ste Michelle concert seriesBob Dylan is coming to western Washington this summer.
Read more »