Bill > HB318

This bill establishes a new legal pathway for individuals in New Mexico to sue for damages when their constitutional rights are intentionally violated. Specifically, it creates a "cause of action," which is a legal basis for a lawsuit, allowing a person to seek compensation if another individual, acting through unlawful force, fraud, coercion, or other illegal methods, intentionally blocks, stops, or infringes upon their rights, privileges, or immunities guaranteed by the United States Constitution. This means that if someone's constitutional rights are deliberately interfered with, they can bring a case in district court against the person responsible, even if that person was not acting under official government authority. The lawsuit must be filed within three years of the violation occurring, and the legal standards for proving and deciding such cases will follow the existing rules for intentional torts, which are civil wrongs that cause harm.

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=318&year=26