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Mask ban for law enforcement gets support from public but opposition from Anchorage police chief
- Alaska House Bill 250 would bar on-duty officers from wearing masks, with limited exemptions, and could lead to misdemeanor charges for violations.
- The bill would make violations a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $2,000 fine per violation.
- Anchorage Police Chief Sean Case opposed the bill, saying masking is not a problem in Alaska and the measure is impractical.
- Public testimony at the hearing largely supported the bill, with some expressing concerns about accountability and identity concealment.
- Hannan introduced the bill after public outrage over masked federal officers involved in high-profile incidents and deportations.
- Hannan's bill aims to address concerns about accountability and visibility of officers during protests and public safety operations.
- The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee after advancing at the State Affairs hearings.
- The measure reflects a broader national debate about officer identification and accountability during demonstrations.
- News coverage notes the hearing took place as legislators weighed the potential impact on Alaska's law enforcement framework.
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