California lawmakers are debating Senate Bill 627, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener, which would ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks in most situations. The bill, now headed to the state Senate, responds to reports of masked federal immigration raids across California. Exemptions would apply for medical use, SWAT operations, and undercover assignments, but the measure does not apply to the California Highway Patrol. The Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC) opposes the bill, warning it could expose local officers to lawsuits. Wiener argues officers would only face liability if they knowingly violated the law. If approved, violations of SB 627 could result in an infraction or misdemeanor. The proposal faces a key hearing before the Senate Public Safety Committee

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