Several states are pursuing legislation to expand their law enforcement capabilities in areas where they claim federal restrictions limit their effectiveness.

In Washington state, Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation in March prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other law enforcement officials from wearing masks to conceal their identities during operations. The bill's sponsors argued that concealed identities create intimidation and undermine public accountability in law enforcement interactions.

Meanwhile, state attorneys general are requesting enhanced authority to intercept drones delivering contraband to correctional facilities. According to the officials, current federal legal frameworks create uncertainty that leaves corrections staff able to detect incoming drones but legally unable to stop deliveries of drugs and weapons in real time.

Separately, the Trump administration has proposed new rules that would allow the Department of Justice to suspend or override state disciplinary processes for DOJ attorneys. Critics argue this would reduce accountability mechanisms and conflict with principles of federalism by limiting state oversight of federal prosecutors.

In New York, legislation has been introduced to ease restrictions on pepper spray shipments. Current state law prohibits shipping pepper spray to New York residents, despite what supporters describe as public safety concerns in the state.

These various legislative efforts reflect ongoing tensions between federal and state authorities over law enforcement jurisdiction and oversight responsibilities.