Bill > S3186

This bill seeks to expand the legal accountability for constitutional violations by law enforcement officers by modifying 42 U.S.C. 1983, a key civil rights statute. The bill broadens the definition of who can be held liable for rights violations, explicitly including the United States, states, local governments, and their agencies, and establishing that employers can be held responsible for constitutional violations committed by their law enforcement employees or contractors, regardless of individual officer immunity or existing departmental policies. The legislation is motivated by findings that current legal interpretations have undermined the original intent of civil rights protections, particularly those established by the 14th Amendment, and that existing liability frameworks do not effectively incentivize proper hiring, training, and supervision of law enforcement. The bill specifically addresses systemic issues like inconsistent officer training, repeated misconduct, and difficulties in holding government entities accountable for rights violations. By removing sovereign immunity protections and expanding the scope of potential legal action, the bill aims to create stronger deterrents against constitutional violations and provide more robust legal remedies for victims of rights infringements by law enforcement officers.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3186/all-info