SF4413

Purpose

• The bill changes when a person may conceal their identity in public and adds specific exceptions for law enforcement officers. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 609.735.

Main Provisions

• New rule about concealing identity:

  • A person in a public place who hides their identity using a robe, mask, or other disguise is guilty of a misdemeanor, with certain exceptions.
  • Exceptions include concealment based on religious beliefs, or concealment incidental to amusement or entertainment, as well as concealment for protection from weather, protection from smoke or gas or other airborne toxins, or concealment for medical treatment.

• Law enforcement carve-outs:

  • The section does not apply to a peace officer (as defined by state law) or a federal law enforcement officer while performing official duties as an undercover officer, where concealing identity is necessary to preserve the integrity of the investigation or the officer’s safety.
  • It also does not apply to a member of a tactical response team when wearing a face mask would substantially reduce the known risk of serious permanent disfigurement to the officer’s face.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill narrows the prohibition on concealing one’s identity in public by specifying clear exceptions, including religious reasons, entertainment contexts, and health-related protections.
• It creates explicit exemptions for public safety personnel (peace officers, federal officers, undercover operations, and tactical teams) under certain conditions, allowing them to conceal identity without facing misdemeanor charges if it serves investigative integrity, officer safety, or reduces the risk of disfigurement.

Practical Implications

• For the general public, wearing a robe, mask, or disguise in public may be illegal unless it fits one of the stated exceptions.
• For law enforcement, the bill formally protects undercover activities and certain protective masking practices when needed for safety or to maintain the integrity of an investigation.

Relevant Terms - conceal identity - public place - robe - mask - disguise - religious beliefs - amusement/entertainment - protection from weather - protection from smoke, gas, or other airborne toxin - medical treatment - misdemeanor - peace officer - federal law enforcement officer - undercover officer - integrity of the investigation - officer safety - tactical response team - face mask - disfigurement