Senate approves SB 2203 (SD2), restricting anonymous policing with enumerated exceptions

The Senate approved Senate Bill 2203, Senate Draft 2, on third reading, limiting anonymous policing while carving out specified exceptions.

Senator Rhodes spoke in support of the measure on the Senate floor, saying, "This bill prohibits anonymous policing for all levels of government with important exceptions." Rhodes listed exceptions included in the draft: undercover or preparing for undercover work, protective gear for hazards, motorcycle officers while riding, and permitting masks only when at least one officer present has an uncovered face.

The bill was taken on third reading on consent and passed with a recorded tally of 22 ayes and 3 noes. The clerk read the vote as "22 ayes, 3 noes," and the transcript records the no votes verbatim as "Senator Awad, the court, and Favela." Senator Chang voiced support during the consent process, and Rhodes requested permission to insert his earlier remarks into the journal; the chair granted that request.

Separately, the Senate adopted a set of standing committee reports (listed in the transcript as "standing committee report numbers 22 71 to 23 0 9") after a motion by Senator Wakai that was seconded and carried without recorded objection.

The chair announced that referrals and any re-referrals would be handled in accordance with supplemental orders of the day. The Senate then moved to other business and adjourned until 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.

The text of SB 2203 (SD2) as discussed on the floor includes the enumerated exceptions described above; additional statutory text, final enrollment and any subsequent amendments are not specified in the session transcript.