Bill > SB1056

This bill establishes new legal provisions for holding peace officers (law enforcement personnel) personally liable for violating individual rights protected by the Bill of Rights or Oklahoma Constitution. Specifically, the bill allows individuals to sue peace officers who deprive them of constitutional rights "under color of law" (meaning while acting in an official capacity), and removes several legal protections that have traditionally shielded officers from such lawsuits. Notably, the bill eliminates qualified immunity as a defense and nullifies existing statutory immunities and tort claim limitations. If a plaintiff prevails in such a lawsuit, the court must award reasonable attorney fees, and the peace officer's employer is generally required to indemnify (financially protect) the officer, with an important exception: if the officer is found to have not acted in good faith or reasonably, they will be personally liable for up to 5% of the judgment (or $25,000, whichever is less). Furthermore, if the officer is convicted of a criminal offense related to the claim, they cannot be indemnified at all. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025, and represents a significant potential expansion of legal accountability for law enforcement personnel.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb1056&Session=2600