summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act lets a person whose civil rights have been violated by a person acting under the color of law sue for damages and other relief. The Act lets a plaintiff who wins this type of suit recover attorney fees. The Act lets a defendant who wins this type of suit recover attorney fees if the plaintiff’s claim was frivolous. (Flesch Readability Score 62.7). Allows a person who has been deprived of rights, privileges or immunities secured by the Oregon Constitution or the laws of this state by a person acting under color of law to bring a civil action for economic and noneconomic damages and for injunctive or other equitable relief. Provides for the award of attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff, or to a prevailing defendant if the court finds that a plaintiff’s claim was frivolous, unreasonable or without founda- tion.
AI Summary
This bill strengthens civil rights protections in Oregon by creating a legal pathway for individuals to sue when their constitutional or statutory rights have been violated by government officials or entities. Specifically, the bill allows any person who has been deprived of rights by someone "acting under color of law" (meaning a person using their official authority, even if improperly) to file a civil lawsuit seeking both economic damages (like lost wages) and noneconomic damages (like emotional distress), as well as injunctive relief (court orders to stop certain behaviors). The bill also provides for mandatory attorney fees to be awarded to plaintiffs who successfully prove their case, and allows defendants to potentially recover their attorney fees if the court determines that the plaintiff's lawsuit was frivolous, unreasonable, or without legal foundation. This legislation aims to provide a robust legal remedy for individuals whose civil rights have been infringed upon by state or local government actors, while also including safeguards to prevent baseless litigation.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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