VA House · HB 1492

Impersonating a law-enforcement officer; clarifies definition of "facial covering," penalties.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation updates Virginia law to specifically address the use of masks or facial coverings when an individual is impersonating a law-enforcement officer. By refining the legal definition of what constitutes a facial covering, the bill aims to close loopholes that could allow bad actors to hide their identities while falsely claiming police authority. The primary intent is to bolster public safety and maintain trust in local law enforcement by making it easier for prosecutors to penalize those who use disguises to commit fraud or intimidation. For Arlington residents, this measure reinforces the existing protections against impersonation, ensuring that individuals cannot evade accountability by covering their faces while engaging in criminal activities involving the false pretense of police power.

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Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 14, 2026 · VA House · pass
63 – 32 · 4 other
Full roll call
Adopt Conference Committee Report
Mar 14, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
22 – 17 · 1 other
Full roll call
Insist & Request
Mar 12, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 11, 2026 · VA House · fail
0 – 99
Full roll call
Passage
Mar 10, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
27 – 13
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading)
Mar 5, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
39 – 0 · 1 other
Full roll call
Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute
Mar 4, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
15 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Feb 25, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
10 – 5
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Roll call
Feb 12, 2026 · VA House · pass
62 – 35 · 3 other
Full roll call
Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute
Feb 6, 2026 · VA House · pass
4 – 1
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reported from Public Safety with substitute
Feb 6, 2026 · VA House · pass
16 – 6
Full roll call