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Councilmember Trayon White Sr. 2
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A BILL 12
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 15
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To prohibit the wearing of ski masks on property owned or controlled by the District, and to 18
prohibit the wearing of ski masks on private property without the consent of the owner. 19
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 21
act may be cited as the “Ski Mask Prohibition Act of 2023”. 22
Sec. 2. 23
(a) “Ski mask” means a balaclava or similar head covering which is worn in such a 24
manner that only the eyes, nose, and mouth are exposed, and the identity of the wearer is 25
concealed. 26
(b)It shall be unlawful for any person to wear a ski mask, balaclava, or similar head 27
covering on: 28
(1) any lane, walk, alley, street, road, highway, or other public way in the District 29
of Columbia, 30
(2) any property owned or controlled by the District of Columbia, and 31
(3) private property without prior written permission from the owner or occupant 32
of the property. 33 2
(c) The prohibitions contained in section (b) shall not apply if the person is wearing a ski 34
mask, balaclava, or similar head covering pursuant to: 35
(1) observance of a religious requirement or practice, 36
(2) a public health emergency declared by the Mayor, 37
(3) the written advice of a physician or medical professional, 38
(4) attendance at a masquerade party, costume ball, or theatrical event, 39
(5) the safety of persons involved in a trade, profession, or activity where such 40
protection is required or recommended. 41
(e) Penalty. A person who violates this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable 42
by a fine not to exceed $500. 43
Sec. 3. Fiscal impact statement. 44
The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal 45
impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, 46
approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a). 47
Sec. 4. Effective date. 48
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the 49
Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as 50
provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 51
24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of 52
Columbia Register. 53