Connecticut Senate Bill SB00617

Connecticut 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25

Caption

An Act Concerning Civil Actions For Damages Resulting From An Alleged Deprivation Of Rights Committed By A Police Officer, Use Of Force, And Searches Of Motor Vehicles And Pedestrians.

Impact

If passed, SB00617 would have significant implications on state laws related to civil actions against law enforcement officers. It would eliminate certain protections and processes that were established to hold officers accountable for their actions and could potentially lead to fewer checks on police conduct. Repealing these measures may be perceived as a shift in the state’s stance on police oversight, prioritizing the operational autonomy of law enforcement agencies over civilian protections against misconduct.

Summary

SB00617 is a proposed bill that seeks to repeal specific sections of public act 20-1 regarding the conduct and actions of police officers, focusing particularly on civil actions associated with the alleged deprivation of rights. The bill references the current statutes concerning the use of force by police officers, searches of pedestrians, and the regulation of consent searches in motor vehicles. The intent behind this legislation is to revert changes made in previous provisions that aimed to enhance accountability and oversight of police practices.

Contention

This bill is likely to be contentious, reflecting broader debates on law enforcement practices and community safety. Proponents may argue that the repeal is necessary to protect law enforcement from excessive litigation and to preserve their authority in performing their duties. Conversely, opponents could express concerns that rolling back these provisions would undermine progress made in civil rights protections and erode public trust in law enforcement, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by aggressive policing tactics.