Connecticut House Bill HB06262

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Application Of The Defense Of Governmental Immunity In Actions Filed Against A Police Officer Or Law Enforcement Unit.

Impact

If enacted, HB 6262 would significantly impact the legal landscape regarding how governmental immunity is applied in cases concerning police actions. By facilitating interlocutory appeals, it could lead to more favorable outcomes for law enforcement officers, as they would have the opportunity to contest a trial court's denial of immunity early in the legal process. This could potentially reduce the number of cases that progress to trial against officers, impacting accountability measures within law enforcement agencies.

Summary

House Bill 6262 addresses the application of governmental immunity in actions filed against police officers or law enforcement units. Specifically, the bill proposes to amend a subsection of the general statutes to allow a party defendant, such as a police officer, to seek an interlocutory appeal if a trial court denies the application of governmental immunity. The primary goal of this legislation is to clarify the rights of law enforcement officials when facing lawsuits alleging misconduct or negligence.

Contention

The introduction of HB 6262 has sparked debates surrounding police accountability and governmental immunity. Supporters of the bill argue that it is essential to protect police officers from frivolous lawsuits and to ensure they can perform their duties without the fear of being personally liable for actions taken in the line of duty. Critics, however, argue that this bill may hinder accountability and transparency in law enforcement, potentially allowing officers to evade responsibility for wrongful acts. The contention lies in balancing the need for law enforcement protection with the rights of individuals seeking justice for alleged misconduct.