Bill > HB2597

This bill establishes a legal pathway for individuals to seek remedies when their federal constitutional rights are violated during civil immigration enforcement, which is defined as any action taken to investigate, question, detain, arrest, or remove someone for the purpose of enforcing civil immigration law. It allows individuals to sue for damages or other appropriate legal action if their rights secured by the U.S. Constitution are infringed upon under the guise of any law, regulation, or custom, mirroring the protections available under federal law (specifically 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983) and allowing for attorneys' fees for prevailing plaintiffs, with certain exceptions for judicial officers. The bill also includes provisions for judicial officers to assert absolute or qualified immunity, similar to federal law, and clarifies that it does not waive sovereign immunity defenses. Furthermore, it sets a two-year statute of limitations for such civil actions and includes standard clauses to ensure the act's validity and effectiveness, including an emergency clause for immediate implementation.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2597&Year=2025&Initiative=false