In the near future, we will be introducing legislation to allow for Pennsylvanians to address federal actions that violate their constitutional rights through our state court system. At present, there are no state remedies available for constitutional violations by federal employees that allow someone harmed to receive meaningful recourse.

The federal government is rapidly expanding the number of federal ICE and Customs and Border Protection, incorporating a 120% hiring increase across the agencies.
Simultaneously, the duties of federal agents are expanding while agency investments in weapons spending have increased 600% for operations conducted in U.S. cities. As federal agents more routinely use tear gas, flash grenades, and other forms of physical force against residents, states must take every action possible to uphold the constitutional rights guaranteed to every person on U.S. soil.

Currently, under federal code, section 1983, individuals can address civil rights violations by state and local officials in federal court. The bill serves to complement that by extending the right to address violations by federal officials in state courts. State remedies may include compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and reasonable attorney's fees.

This bill is a simple proposal that aims to ensure accountability across all levels of government. It states clearly that our constitutional rights stand beyond shifting political climates. It is a critical intervention that allows Pennsylvanians to receive relief and redress in the face of ongoing and escalating federal abuses of power.

Please join us in cosponsoring this necessary bill.