Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1440

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to civil rights

Impact

The implications of H1440 on state laws are significant. By adjusting the burden of proof in civil rights actions against law enforcement, the bill aims to provide clearer pathways for plaintiffs who assert their civil rights have been violated. Notably, the bill proposes that proof of threats, intimidation, or coercion will not be required in cases against law enforcement, which may increase the accountability of officers while simultaneously providing more protections to individuals claiming civil rights violations.

Summary

House Bill 1440, titled 'An Act Relative to Civil Rights', seeks to amend existing laws concerning civil rights actions in Massachusetts. The bill specifically targets the actions of law enforcement officers and strives to refine the legal standards necessary for proving interference or attempted interference in civil rights cases. The proposed changes include alterations in the legislative language that could impact how courts interpret and apply civil liability against law enforcement in cases where rights are allegedly infringed upon under color of law.

Contention

While supporters of H1440 argue that it strengthens protections for individuals against government overreach, critics express concerns about potentially diminishing the standard of accountability for law enforcement. The debate centers around whether removing certain evidentiary requirements could lead to frivolous lawsuits against police officers and how it may affect the balance between protecting citizens' rights and maintaining law enforcement effectiveness. As the bill has historical precedents in similar matters, discussions about its ramifications are expected to continue in legislative sessions.

Companion Bills

MA H3863

Similar To Relative to the dangerous release of personal civil rights information

MA H4321

Replaced by Relative to civil rights

Previously Filed As

MA H4321

Relative to civil rights

MA H1641

Relative to civil rights

MA S1004

Reforming the Massachusetts civil rights act

MA S1085

Relative to civil remedies for sexual assault by an officer

MA H4832

Relative to civil rights and technology

MA H2344

Providing for greater police transparency

MA H2637

Providing for greater police transparency

MA H1920

Relative to combating hate in the Commonwealth

MA S1126

Relative to combating hate in the Commonwealth

MA AB3250

Civil law: civil rights.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.