2021

Louisiana House Bill 609 (HB609), introduced by Representative Edmond Jordan on April 2 and amended in a Committee on Civil Law and Procedure on May 4, would create a process for Louisianans to sue police officers, corrections officers, contractors, court security and other peace officers for excessive force and other violations of individual rights.

The National Police Accountability Project is proud to support our members' work in spearheading California Senate Bill 2, authored by California Senator Bradford (D-Los Angeles), and co-authored by Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego).

House Bill 4 (HB 4) creates the “New Mexico Civil Rights Act.” The Act gives a person who claims deprivation of “rights, privileges or immunities” secured by the New Mexico Constitution the right to bring a lawsuit in state district court and recover actual damages and injunctive relief. In addition to actual damages, the Act provides that a person who prevails in a lawsuit brought under the Act is entitled to an award of reasonable attorney fees and litigation expenses.

The Colorado District Attorney Accountability and Transparency Bill (DAAB) is in the works to be introduced in CO this legislative session by Colorado Attorneys Against Police Violence (CAAPV).

NY S1991 / A4331 or the End Qualified Immunity Act removes the special protection of qualified immunity for law enforcement officers in the state of New York, including police officers, corrections officers, and state and municipal government employees. Currently, qualified immunity prevents victims of police violence and abuse of power from suing the offending officers in civil courts. This act ensures these victims have access to justice and increases public safety for all.

WA HB 1202 or the Peace Officer Accountability Act (POAA) eliminates obstacles to civil liability for law enforcement officers who engage in misconduct by creating a new legal path to hold officers accountable. The POAA also makes departments liable for bad hiring, inadequate training, and negligent disciplining. Additionally, the POAA expands access to justice by allowing attorney’s fee and cost recovery if the victim wins their lawsuit, and it allows the Attorney General’s office to investigate and bring a lawsuit to address patterns of wrongdoing by officers and departments.