Several state law enforcement agencies oppose the legislation, arguing it will also be used to sue local officers. AdvertisementUnder U.S. Code Section 1983, a person can sue state and local officials who violate their constitutional rights. A state law also allows lawsuits against state and local officials for interfering with a person’s constitutional rights by force or threat. When it comes to filing legal action against federal officials, lawsuits can be brought through the Bivens doctrine, which refers to the 1971 Supreme Court ruling in Bivens vs. Six Unknown Federal Agents that established that federal officials can be sued for monetary damages for constitutional violations. The group argues it would result in more lawsuits against local and state officials, essentially creating multiple paths for litigation.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 28, 2026 01:10 UTC