(INDIANA) - A new bill filed in the Indiana Senate would make wearing a mask at a public assembly a criminal offense under certain circumstances.
Senate Bill 73, authored by State Sen. Gary Byrne, was filed in early December and referred to the Indiana State Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law. The bill is titled "Masks at Public Assemblies."
Under the proposal, wearing a mask at a public assembly with the intent to conceal one's identity would be a Class C misdemeanor. A second or subsequent offense would be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
The bill would further increase penalties if certain crimes are committed while masked. If rioting or disorderly conduct occurs while a person is wearing a mask, the charge would be elevated to a Level 6 felony.
Senate Bill 73 defines a mask as a covering worn over or obscuring a person's nose or mouth. The legislation includes multiple exemptions, including masks worn for religious reasons, occupational safety, or medical purposes. Medical devices prescribed by a physician or worn in a healthcare facility would also be excluded.
Other exemptions include holiday and theatrical costumes, helmets or protective gear used while riding bicycles or motorcycles, athletic equipment worn during competition, and protective equipment used by emergency medical providers or law enforcement officers performing their official duties.
The bill defines a public assembly as a gathering of at least 10 people in a public space or a location where the general public is invited or permitted to enter.
If passed in its current form, the legislation would take effect July 1.