This bill ends “qualified immunity” for government officials in civil rights lawsuits. It says that, when someone sues under federal civil rights law, the official cannot avoid the case by claiming they acted in good faith, thought their actions were legal, that the right wasn’t “clearly established,” or that the law was too unclear at the time. This change is meant to restore the original intent of the civil rights law and make it easier for people to seek damages when their constitutional rights are violated by state or local officials .

It applies to lawsuits already pending on the day the law takes effect, as well as new lawsuits filed after that date .

• Who is affected: People bringing civil rights claims, and state and local officials being sued .
• What changes: Courts may not dismiss cases based on good faith, belief the conduct was lawful, lack of a “clearly established” right, or unclear law at the time .
• When it applies: To cases pending on, or filed after, the date the law is enacted .