Alex Padilla: “I rise to introduce the ``Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act.'' This legislation recognizes the need to hold…”

“I rise to introduce the ``Accountability for Federal Law Enforcement Act.'' This legislation recognizes the need to hold bad actors accountable-- period. In order to build trust in our system of justice, we must allow individuals the right to sue Federal law enforcement agencies when the actions of their officers lead to a violation of rights. This legislation would provide a right of action for an individual to sue a Federal law enforcement officer and agency for harm resulting from a violation of their civil and constitutional rights. 42 USC Sec. 1983 currently provides this right of action for state and local law enforcement officers who violate a person's rights. However, there is currently no statutory equivalent that extends this right to incidents involving federal law enforcement officers and agencies. Because Americans lack this right, there is a gap in accountability that urgently needs to be filled. This legislation fills that gap by allowing individuals to sue federal officers, just as they can sue state and local officers. It would also allow individuals to sue federal law enforcement agencies. The United States Supreme Court has recognized that the federal government will not be liable in suit unless it waives its immunity and consents. This legislation recognizes the need for such a waiver.…”