diff --git a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_obj_li.svelte b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_obj_li.svelte
index 6e577b8a..bf6f6b44 100644
--- a/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_obj_li.svelte
+++ b/src/routes/events/[event_id]/(badges)/badges/ae_comp__badge_obj_li.svelte
@@ -96,21 +96,20 @@ let visible_badge_obj_li = $derived(
         if (list === undefined || list === null) return null;
         if (!Array.isArray(list)) return [];
 
-        // The Printed Status filter dropdown is accessible to: trusted+edit OR manager+.
-        // Match that gate here so the filter actually controls what's displayed.
-        const can_use_filter = (is_trusted && is_edit_mode) || $ae_loc.manager_access;
         const filtered = list.filter((item: any) => {
             if (!item) return false;
-            if (can_use_filter) {
-                // Filter dropdown controls visibility for users who can access it.
+            if (is_trusted) {
+                // Trusted staff and above: qry_printed_status is the authoritative control.
+                // Filter state persists across edit mode toggles — intentional. Staff set
+                // their filter and it stays regardless of whether edit mode is on or off.
                 const ps = badges_loc.current.qry_printed_status;
                 if (ps === 'printed') return (item.print_count ?? 0) >= 1 && !item.hide;
                 if (ps === 'not_printed') return (item.print_count ?? 0) < 1 && !item.hide;
                 return !item.hide; // 'all' — show everything non-hidden
             }
-            // Kiosk / attendee / below-trusted: only unprinted badges.
-            // The filter dropdown is not visible at these access levels, so
-            // qry_printed_status is not a reliable signal here.
+            // Public (kiosk) / authenticated / anonymous: only unprinted.
+            // Badge kiosks run at public_access — attendees should only see their own
+            // unprinted badge, never a list of already-printed ones.
             return (item.print_count ?? 0) < 1 && !item.hide;
         });