Bill > HB1044

This bill establishes a new legal pathway for Georgia residents to sue individuals involved in civil immigration enforcement who violate their constitutional rights, allowing for the recovery of monetary damages, injunctions, and declaratory relief. The bill defines "crowd control equipment" broadly to include items like tear gas, projectile launchers, and stun devices, and also specifies what constitutes a "facial covering" in this context, excluding standard medical masks but including specialized protective gear. A "prevailing party," meaning someone who wins their case in court, settles favorably, or achieves a positive outcome due to their non-frivolous lawsuit, is entitled to have their attorney fees and litigation costs covered by the defendant. The bill also outlines specific factors a court should consider when determining punitive damages, such as whether the defendant concealed their identity with a facial covering, failed to identify themselves as law enforcement, neglected to use a body camera when required, used a vehicle without a license plate, employed crowd control equipment, or intentionally violated a court order related to civil rights.

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https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72374