SALEM, Ore. (Feb. 25, 2026) — The Oregon House of Representatives has passed House Bill 4138, known as the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act (LEAVA), a proposal that would establish new statewide standards for law enforcement identification and limit certain forms of cooperation with federal and out-of-state authorities.
The bill requires law enforcement officers operating in Oregon to visibly display their name or badge number and agency identification while on duty and engaged in law enforcement activities. It also directs agencies to adopt and publicly post policies restricting the use of facial coverings to limited circumstances, such as undercover assignments or specified tactical operations.
The measure further prohibits state and local public employees from intentionally assisting in federal or out-of-state actions that target individuals for who they are, what they believe, or for exercising constitutional rights, including unlawful searches or seizures. It creates a legal pathway for individuals to seek court orders to halt alleged violations.
“Fascism isn’t knocking at our doors anymore, it is knocking down our doors without warrants,” said Rep. Farrah Chaichi, D-Beaverton and Aloha. “This bill will meaningfully work to protect scared Oregonians by establishing uniform, minimum standards for all law enforcement operating in Oregon — local, state, and federal — so authority is visible, accountable, and transparent.”
Supporters say the legislation would strengthen public trust and provide clear, consistent rules for agencies statewide.
“Public safety depends on trust between community members and law enforcement,” said Rep. Thuy Tran, D-Outer Southeast Portland. “By establishing clear identification standards and strong accountability measures, we can make sure that all Oregonians feel safer and are safer.”
Rep. Cyrus Javadi, D-Tillamook, said visible credentials and clear oversight are standard in other professions and should apply to law enforcement as well. Rep. Sarah Andersen, D-Salem, added: “When anonymous masked officers make violent, warrantless arrests of Americans, I am aghast and angry. These tactics diminish Oregonians’ trust in all of our law enforcement officers,”
Rep. Khanh Pham, D-Northeast Portland, said the measure reflects concerns about unchecked authority. “People in positions of authority should not be anonymous. Visibility builds professionalism. Visibility builds trust. But visibility alone is not enough,” she said. “My family had to flee the violence and chaos of the Vietnam War. I understand how fear can shape daily life when authority feels unchecked or unclear.”
Opponents and some law enforcement representatives have raised concerns that the bill could complicate joint operations with federal agencies and potentially limit flexibility in fast-moving or high-risk situations. Critics argue that restricting facial coverings could expose officers to retaliation or doxxing, particularly during protests or gang-related investigations. Others have questioned whether the bill’s provisions related to federal cooperation could prompt legal challenges over federal preemption.
Supporters counter that the measure includes defined exceptions for undercover and tactical operations and does not prevent cooperation in lawful investigations. They say it is intended to clarify standards rather than hinder enforcement.
HB 4138 now advances to the Oregon State Senate for consideration.
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