Constitutional Accountability Act

This bill changes the federal law (42 U.S.C. 1983) that lets people sue for violations of their constitutional rights. It would define the United States, States, territories, D.C., local governments, and their agencies as "persons" who can be sued under that law. It would make these governments and other employers liable for constitutional violations committed by the law enforcement officers they employ or contract with, even if the officer would be immune and even if the officer was not following a policy or custom of the employer. It would also remove State sovereign immunity and waive federal sovereign immunity for these claims.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Sheldon Whitehouse Democrat sponsor
• 3 cosponsors