Government Liability for Constitutional Violations by Law Enforcement Officers.
This act makes it easier for citizens to seek financial compensation from local, state, and federal governments when police officers violate their constitutional rights. It establishes that government entities are directly liable for the actions of their law enforcement employees, aiming to increase accountability and incentivize better police training and supervision. Victims no longer need to prove the violation resulted from an official government policy or custom.
Key points
Local, state, and federal governments become financially responsible for constitutional violations committed by their police officers, regardless of the officer's individual immunity.
The act removes sovereign immunity protections for states and the federal government in cases involving constitutional damages caused by law enforcement.
This change increases the likelihood of citizens receiving financial compensation and pressures police departments to improve hiring, training, and discipline.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_6092
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4]