Bill would let people sue federal officials over rights violations
In committeeH.R. 6091Latest action
Sponsor: Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. · Representative · GA
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Official title: Bivens Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Rights & liberties
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Bivens Act of 2025 would let people sue federal officials for rights violations using the same process as state official lawsuits.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill amends the existing civil rights law, 42 1983, to explicitly cover officials acting under U.S. government authority, not just state governments. This would let people sue federal agents or employees for constitutional rights violations in federal court, instead of relying on the more restrictive "Bivens" Supreme Court doctrine.
Who does it affect?
It would affect individuals who believe federal employees—including agents from agencies like the FBI, ICE, DEA, or Border Patrol—violated their constitutional rights through actions like unreasonable searches, excessive force, or unlawful arrest. It would also affect federal employees and agencies, who could face more lawsuits and financial liability.
Why does it matter?
Courts would play a central role in interpreting and applying this expanded legal remedy, and federal officials and agencies could face increased litigation and liability exposure.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 18, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Nov 18, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.