This bill proposes to amend Section 12-820.01 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically updating the provisions regarding the liability of public entities for the actions of their employees. Under current law, public entities are not liable for acts and omissions of their employees that involve the exercise of judicial or legislative functions. The bill introduces an exception to this immunity, stating that it does not apply if a judicial officer knew or should have known that their actions in a case violated the civil rights of any litigant or affected individual.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the language of the statute, clarifying that the determination of fundamental governmental policy involves discretion and includes specific responsibilities. Overall, if enacted, this legislation would create a significant exception to the absolute immunity currently enjoyed by judicial officers, thereby allowing for potential legal actions in cases of civil rights violations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 12-820.01