Assembly Bill 331 establishes a new civil cause of action for individuals who have experienced violations of their civil rights, specifically due process or equal protection rights, as secured by both the U.S. Constitution and 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 or intimidation, to sue for damages and seek injunctive relief. Notably, the bill mandates that courts award reasonable attorney fees and costs to plaintiffs who prevail in their actions, and it stipulates that such actions must be initiated within six years of the alleged violation.

Additionally, the bill specifies that certain existing statutes, namely sections 893.80 and 893.82, do not apply to actions brought under this new provision, thereby allowing for broader access to legal recourse for civil rights violations. The initial applicability of the act is set to take effect for causes of action that accrue on the effective date of the legislation.