House Bill 26-020

This bill eliminates the use of qualified immunity as a defense in civil actions brought under the laws of the State of San Andreas against law enforcement officers accused of violating constitutional or statutory rights. The bill establishes that law enforcement officers may be held personally liable for damages resulting from unlawful conduct committed while acting under color of law.

The legislation provides that qualified immunity shall not bar civil claims alleging violations of the state or federal constitution or state statutory rights. Individuals who suffer injury as a result of such violations may seek compensatory damages, injunctive relief, declaratory relief, and attorney fees in state court.

The bill also limits the ability of state and local governments to indemnify officers in cases where a court finds that the officer acted knowingly, recklessly, or with willful disregard for constitutional or statutory rights. Indemnification remains permissible in cases involving negligence where intentional or reckless misconduct is not found.

The purpose of the Act is to increase accountability for violations of individual rights while maintaining existing civil law defenses and judicial oversight.