This bill would write into federal law the rules that protect police and other law enforcement from some lawsuits. It says officers can’t be held liable for money damages if the right they’re accused of violating wasn’t clearly established at the time, or if a court had already ruled that the same kind of conduct was lawful. The bill’s findings say this protection is meant to give officers room to make reasonable mistakes while still holding them accountable for clear misconduct.

It covers officers and agencies at the federal, state, Tribal, and local levels, and defines who counts as a “law enforcement officer” and a “law enforcement agency.” It also protects a law enforcement agency or local government from being held liable if the officer is found immune and was acting within the scope of the job. If it becomes law, these changes would start 180 days after enactment.

Key points

• Who is affected: Law enforcement officers and agencies at all levels, and people who sue officers for violating constitutional rights.
• What changes: Puts qualified immunity into federal law; officers are not liable if the law wasn’t clearly settled or courts had said the conduct was legal; agencies aren’t liable if the officer is immune and acted within their job.
• When: Takes effect 180 days after it becomes law.