HB 4138 Oregon House · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to limitations on the actions of public employees; and declaring an emergency.

Summary
Requires law enforcement agencies to require officers to wear uniforms with specified identifying information. Specifies exceptions. Requires law enforcement agencies to enact policies prohibiting the wearing of facial coverings by officers except in specified circumstances. Prohibits the wearing of facial coverings by law enforcement officers except in specified circumstances. Prohibits employees of state and local law enforcement agencies and other public bodies in this state from participating in certain actions. Directs state and local law enforcement agencies and other public bodies to enact policies prohibiting engagement in certain actions. Provides that volunteers in a civil defense force are agents of a public body for purposes of the Oregon Tort Claims Act. Allows a person harmed by violations of certain provisions to seek an injunction. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Mar 31, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

B-Engrossed Enrolled · 5 edits · Mar 10, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was finalized into its Enrolled version, removing editorial summaries and formatting notes while retaining the core policy. The most significant substantive change is the expansion of the definition of 'facial covering' to include tactical masks, gaiters, and ski masks, while simultaneously adding specific exemptions for medical masks, underwater breathing apparatuses, motorcycle helmets, and fire helmets.
Scope change
The scope of items prohibited as facial coverings was broadened to include tactical gear, but the scope of exemptions was also expanded to explicitly cover medical needs, specific vehicle operations, and fire investigations.
DEFINITION

The definition of 'facial covering' was updated to explicitly list tactical masks, gaiters, ski masks, and other items that obscure facial identity.

REQUIREMENT

New exemptions were added for medical-grade masks (like N95s) used for disease protection, devices for underwater operations, motorcycle/bicycle helmets, fire helmets during arson investigations, and protective eyewear.

A new exemption was added for translucent face shields or clear masks that do not conceal the wearer's identity, provided they are used in compliance with agency policy.

TECHNICAL

Editorial elements such as the 'B-Engrossed' header, the legislative summary digest, and formatting notes regarding boldfaced type were removed as the bill was finalized.

The document header was updated from 'B-Engrossed' to 'Enrolled,' and the sponsor list was reformatted to include additional representatives and senators who joined the bill during the final stages.

Floor votes · House Feb 24, 2026

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
8
Committee
4
Mar 31, 2026
Signed into law
Governor signed.
lower
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
President signed.
upper
Mar 10, 2026
Lower · Passed
Speaker signed.
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Lower · Passed
House concurred in Senate amendments and repassed bill.
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third reading. Carried by Campos. Passed.
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments to the A-Eng. bill. (Printed B-Eng.)
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules.
upper
Feb 25, 2026
Introduced
First reading. Referred to President's desk.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third reading. Carried by Chaichi. Passed.
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Referred to Judiciary.
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
lower
15 primary · 21 co-sponsors

Sponsors