Bill > H1684

This bill amends civil rights law to address false police reports targeting members of protected classes, which include individuals of specific races, colors, national origins, ancestries, genders, religions, ages, disabilities, or sexual orientations. Under the proposed legislation, a person who intentionally summons police officers without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or imminent threat, specifically targeting an individual because of their membership in a protected class, can be held civilly liable. The bill allows the targeted individual or group to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages, or other appropriate legal remedies. Notably, the law provides that a court can issue an injunction against future similar conduct even without proof of specific injury, and defines lack of reasonable suspicion as a standard that would be evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable person. The purpose of the bill appears to be preventing discriminatory reporting to law enforcement and providing legal recourse for individuals who are falsely targeted based on their personal characteristics.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1684