Mayor Adams is not in search of the opportunity of jail time for offenders of his proposed masks ban — a step again coming amid issues from key stakeholders, together with NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who has in any other case been supportive of more durable restrictions on face coverings, in accordance with sources accustomed to the matter.
Underneath a state regulation enacted this 12 months, people can face extra penalties in the event that they’re caught sporting a face overlaying whereas committing against the law.
Till just lately, the proposal Adams’ workforce has pushed would make masks sporting in such eventualities punishable by fines and even jail time, together with some form of carveout for well being causes, mentioned the sources.
On Wednesday, although, Adams spokeswoman Kayla Mamelak confirmed the specter of jail time is just not a part of the masks ban proposal beneath dialogue anymore. She didn’t say particularly what prompted the change, however added that Adams stays centered on returning to prepandemic guidelines that restricted masks sporting in most public settings.
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 combating antisemitism a key focus of his bid for reelection, says the state-level restrictions adopted this 12 months aren’t sufficient, arguing they nonetheless embolden protesters to put on masks to have interaction in prison exercise.
Shawn Inglima for New York Each day Information
College students and activists protesting Columbia College’s resolution to droop the coed teams “Students for Justice in Palestine” and “Jewish Voice for Peace” for holding pro-Palestine occasions on campus exterior of Columbia College in Manhattan, New York on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023. (Shawn Inglima for New York Each day Information)
Tisch, who turned Adams’ NYPD commissioner in November, is usually supportive of a strengthened masks ban, testifying earlier than the Council this spring that she believes there must be more durable restrictions. Nevertheless, sources mentioned Tisch has internally questioned how a ban as aggressive because the one pushed by the mayor’s workforce 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 may need reservations.
Mamelak mentioned any issues Tisch might have voiced can be a part of the common deliberative legislative course of. She added that the mayor is concentrated on cracking down on “cowards who hide behind masks to harass and threaten others” whereas defending “everyone’s right to peacefully protest.”
“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.”
Anti-ICE protesters confront police exterior 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, New York Metropolis on Thursday, June 10, 2025. (Gardiner Anderson / New York Each day Information)
Queens Councilwoman Joann Ariola, a Republican, has already launched a invoice that might 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 along with her on her current laws, which already has sponsors.
“There was no reason to re-create the wheel,” she mentioned. “This is a good bill and it has been vetted.”
To enact a brand new masks ban, Adams wants a Council member to introduce a invoice for him. The invoice would then want help from no less than half of the chamber’s 51 members to move.
Among the many lawmakers Mastro and Adams’ workforce have approached about introducing a brand new masks ban invoice are Councilman Eric Dinowitz (D-Bronx) 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 workforce, mentioned the measure is just not gaining traction within the Council, as many lawmakers consider current state-level restrictions are robust sufficient.
“Hell no,” Brannan mentioned by way of textual content when requested if the mayor’s measure has a shot.
Earlier than the COVID-19 pandemic, it was unlawful in New York to put on a masks in most public settings. Nevertheless, that restriction was repealed in the course of the pandemic, as masks sporting turned essential.
Public well being advocates fear reintroducing an outright ban might outcome within the focusing on of weak populations who nonetheless have to masks up due to well being issues.
Initially Printed: July 9, 2025 at 2:57 PM EDT
