Bill > SB2035

This bill, effective November 1, 2026, establishes that peace officers in Oklahoma can be held liable for damages if they deprive individuals of their rights secured by the Bill of Rights, Article II of the Oklahoma Constitution, even if they fail to intervene in such actions. It explicitly states that existing legal protections like statutory immunities, limitations on liability, and the Governmental Tort Claims Act will not apply to these claims, and importantly, qualified immunity, a defense often used by government officials to shield themselves from lawsuits, can no longer be asserted by peace officers in such cases. Furthermore, if a plaintiff wins a lawsuit under this bill, they will be awarded reasonable attorney fees and costs, and their employer will generally be required to cover any liability or settlements incurred by the peace officer, unless the officer did not act in good faith or their conduct was criminal and resulted in a conviction, in which case the officer may be personally responsible for a portion of the damages.

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb2035&Session=2600