In response to incidents this summer involving masked federal agents detaining immigrants in Los Angeles, California lawmakers on Thursday passed two controversial bills aimed at increasing transparency and accountability among law enforcement officers.

Senate Bills 627 and 805, approved in the final stretch of this year’s legislative session, would prohibit local, federal, and out-of-state officers from wearing face coverings while on duty (SB 627), and require all law enforcement personnel to be clearly identifiable (SB 805).

State Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco and the lead sponsor of SB 627, framed the legislation as a defense against unchecked government power. “We’re living in a terrifying time marked by mass deportations and racial profiling,” Wiener said. “California must lead by example and put an end to secretive policing tactics.”

The bills sparked intense debate and passed largely along party lines, with Republican lawmakers and police unions strongly opposed.

Senator Tony Strickland, a Republican from Huntington Beach, criticized the legislation as dangerous and anti-police. “This reckless proposal endangers law enforcement officers and their families,” he said in a statement. “It undermines the safety of the brave men and women who protect our communities.”

Though Friday was initially expected to mark the end of the legislative session, lawmakers are likely to extend their work into Saturday to finalize votes on several last-minute deals. Bills that pass will move to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for approval or veto; those that don’t will be shelved until next year.

Among the other pending proposals awaiting Newsom’s decision:

• SB 243: Would impose stricter regulations on AI-powered chatbots to reduce risks for young users.
• SB 791: Would raise the cap on car dealer document processing fees from $85 to $260.
• AB 247: Aims to raise the minimum wage for incarcerated firefighters battling wildfires to $7.25 an hour.
• AB 260: Seeks to shield California healthcare providers and pharmacists from legal penalties for dispensing abortion pills to out-of-state patients, while also protecting patient and provider identities.
• AB 764: Would make it easier for hunters and landowners to kill invasive mute swans.
• AB 823: Proposes a first-of-its-kind ban on personal care products containing plastic glitter or microbeads.
• AB 1042: Would create a health initiative for managed honey bees, offering grants for research and projects aimed at supporting the species.