Bill would let governments be sued directly for officer rights violations
In committeeH.R. 6092Latest action
Sponsor: Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. · Representative · GA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Constitutional Accountability Act
119th Congress
Topics: Rights & liberties
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill lets people sue federal, state, and local governments directly when law enforcement violates constitutional rights.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The Constitutional Accountability Act would redefine "person" under Section 1983 to include the federal government, states, local governments, and their agencies, making them directly liable when law enforcement violates constitutional rights. It removes states' sovereign immunity and waives federal immunity in these cases, and liability applies even if the officer would be shielded by qualified immunity.
Who does it affect?
People who believe their constitutional rights were violated by police or other law enforcement officers; federal, state, and local governments and taxpayers; law enforcement agencies.
Why does it matter?
Governments could face increased legal exposure and potential costs from lawsuits, which may push agencies to strengthen officer training, hiring, and oversight to reduce legal risk.
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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.