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'Hoodie Bill' Will Not Be Heard This Session

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A legislative chairman says a so-called "hoodie" bill that would have made it illegal for people to conceal their identity in public won't be granted a hearing this legislative session.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Anthony Sykes said in a statement Tuesday the bill won't be heard so that the panel can focus on other legislation.

Republican Sen. Don Barrington of Lawton said his bill was aimed at targeting mask-wearing protesters out of concern for public safety and law enforcement, not to ban hoodies.

But critics said the proposal left too much discretion to law enforcement and could allow police to target certain minority groups. Pastors at several predominantly black churches in Oklahoma City wore hooded sweatshirts in the pulpit to protest the bill.

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