General Assembly Raised Bill No. 397 seeks to enhance government accountability and protect citizens' constitutional rights by allowing individuals to sue any person or entity, including federal and state officers, for rights violations. The bill introduces new legal language that permits courts to award damages, including attorney's fees, if a defendant is found liable, while ensuring that sovereign immunity is not waived. It also aligns the interpretation of these provisions with federal and state court interpretations of 42 USC 1983. Additionally, the bill empowers the Attorney General to investigate and take action against constitutional rights violations, expanding their authority to seek injunctive relief, damages, and civil penalties, with penalties directed to the General Fund. Key deletions from current law include the removal of certain procedural limitations and clarifications regarding the Attorney General's jurisdiction.

The bill further amends laws related to peace officers' use of force, establishing clearer definitions and justifications for such actions. It mandates that the Inspector General investigate incidents involving peace officers using physical or deadly force, with specific procedures for reporting and evidence collection. The bill also outlines the conditions under which peace officers may use chokeholds and prohibits armed military forces from entering Connecticut without the Governor's permission. It defines "protected areas" where specific protections apply and allows individuals to seek civil action for violations. Additionally, the bill introduces a publicly accessible online dashboard to log immigration enforcement activities, emphasizing that cooperation with civil immigration enforcement is not authorized. Overall, Raised Bill No. 397 aims to improve transparency and accountability in law enforcement and immigration practices.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-294d, 52-571j