December 13, 2023 TO THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA: I am hereby returning unsigned Bill Number 230510, introduced by Councilmember Anthony Phillips and passed by City Council on November 30, 2023. Bill No. 230510 Amends Chapter 10-600 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Public Spaces - Prohibited Conduct,” by prohibiting certain facial coverings from being worn in certain spaces. This bill is intended to limit crime and help PPD identify suspects. I am grateful to the City Council as a steadfast and committed partner in our efforts to address crime and reduce violence across the city. Nevertheless, this legislation raises several concerns that far outweigh its true potential as a solution. • As a practical matter, this is a difficult law to enforce as individuals can move rapidly into and out of applicable spaces. Further, there are several exemptions related to intent that would be difficult to assess without first apprehending a would-be vi...