Could New York Ban Face Masks on the Subway? Here’s What to Know.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is exploring a ban on the wearing of face masks in New York City’s subway amid concerns that such coverings could shield the identities of those committing hate crimes.

Interviewed on CNN Wednesday night, Ms. Hochul was asked whether she supported Jewish leaders’ call for banning masks. She said she would consider reinstituting a prepandemic ban on wearing masks on the subway.

Ms. Hochul reiterated her position at a news conference in Albany on Thursday, saying that state officials would “not tolerate individuals using masks to evade being responsible for criminal or threatening behavior.”

Her comments came as New York City continues to be the site of steady protests that began after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7 and with antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes increasing. Yet, with state lawmakers having adjourned for the year, it was unclear if she could enact such a prohibition.

“My team is working on a solution, but on the subway, people should not be able to hide behind a mask to commit crimes,” Ms. Hochul said on Thursday.

Can the governor ban masks on the subway?

The governor acknowledged that adopting a mask ban would most likely require legislative action. But the Legislature ended its 2024 session on June 8, and lawmakers are not expected back in Albany until January.