Mayor Adams is not on the lookout for the potential of jail time for offenders of his proposed masks ban — a step again amid considerations from key stakeholders, together with NYPD commissioner Jessica Tisch, who’s in any other case supportive of harder restrictions on face coverings, in keeping with sources acquainted with the matter.
Underneath a state regulation enacted earlier this yr, people can face extra penalties in the event that they’re caught sporting a face overlaying whereas committing a criminal offense.
Up till not too long ago, the proposal Adams’ staff has pushed would make masks sporting in such eventualities punishable by fines and even jail time, although there can be some form of carveout for well being causes, per the sources.
In advocating for a beefed-up ban, Adams has zeroed in on pro-Palestinian protests within the metropolis, the place demonstrators usually cowl their faces. Adams, who has made combatting antisemitism a key focus of his bid for reelection, says the state-level restrictions adopted this yr aren’t sufficient, arguing they nonetheless embolden protesters to put on masks to interact in legal exercise.
Shawn Inglima for New York Every day Information
College students and activists protesting Columbia College’s determination to droop the coed teams “Students for Justice in Palestine” and “Jewish Voice for Peace” for holding pro-Palestine occasions on campus outdoors of Columbia College in Manhattan, New York on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Shawn Inglima for New York Every day Information)
Adams spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak confirmed Wednesday the specter of jail time isn’t a part of the masks ban proposal underneath dialogue. She didn’t say particularly what prompted the change, however added that Adams stays targeted on returning to pre-pandemic guidelines that restricted masks sporting in most public settings.
Tisch, who grew to become Adams’ NYPD commissioner final November, is usually supportive of a strengthened masks ban, testifying earlier than the Council this spring she believes there must be harder restrictions. Nonetheless, sources mentioned Tisch has internally questioned how a ban as aggressive because the one pushed by the mayor’s staff in current weeks would play out on the streets.
An NYPD spokeswoman mentioned Tisch “has no concerns about enforcement in regards to this ban,” however wouldn’t touch upon areas the place she might need reservations.
Mamelak mentioned any considerations Tisch could have voiced can be a part of the common deliberative legislative course of. She added that the mayor’s targeted on cracking down on “cowards who hide behind masks to harass and threaten others” whereas defending “everyone’s right to peacefully protest.”
Anti-ICE protesters confront police outdoors 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York Metropolis on Thursday, June 10, 2025. (Gardiner Anderson / New York Every day Information)
“We are examining ways to work with the City Council to pass further legislation on the local level,” Mamelak mentioned. “As always, when we are ready to make an official announcement, we will do so.”
Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola, a Republican, has already launched a invoice that will ban the sporting of ski masks in most public settings, with violators topic to fines. She mentioned she doesn’t perceive why Adams is pursuing a brand new invoice as an alternative of working together with her on her current laws, which already has sponsors.
“There was no reason to recreate the wheel,” she mentioned. “This is a good bill and it has been vetted.”
So as to enact a brand new masks ban, Adams wants a Council member to introduce a invoice for him. The invoice would then want assist from not less than half of the chamber’s 51 members to cross.
Among the many lawmakers Mastro and Adams’ staff have approached about introducing a brand new masks ban invoice are Bronx Councilman Eric Dinowitz and different members of the Council’s Jewish Caucus, insiders confirmed.
Brooklyn Councilman Justin Brannan, the Council’s Finance Committee chairman and a member of its Democratic management staff, mentioned the measure isn’t gaining traction within the council, as many lawmakers consider current state-level restrictions are sturdy sufficient.
“Hell no…” Brannan mentioned by way of textual content.
Earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unlawful in New York to put on a masks in most public settings. Nonetheless, that restriction was repealed throughout COVID-19, as masks sporting grew to become vital.
Public well being advocates fear reintroducing an outright ban may consequence within the focusing on of susceptible populations who nonetheless have to masks up as a consequence of well being considerations.
