Senate Bill 355 establishes a civil cause of action for individuals who have experienced violations of their civil rights, specifically due process or equal protection rights, as secured by the U.S. Constitution or Wisconsin state laws. The bill allows individuals who have been deprived of these rights by someone acting under color of law, or whose rights have been interfered with through threats, intimidation, or coercion, to sue for damages and seek injunctive relief. Importantly, the bill mandates that courts award reasonable attorney fees and costs to plaintiffs who prevail in their actions, and it sets a six-year statute of limitations for bringing such claims.

Additionally, the bill specifies that certain existing statutes, namely sections 893.80 and 893.82, do not apply to actions initiated under this new provision. This means that plaintiffs may have more flexibility in pursuing their claims without the constraints typically imposed by those sections. The bill is designed to enhance the protection of civil rights in Wisconsin by providing a clear legal pathway for individuals to seek redress for violations.