New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08504

Introduced
9/12/25  

Caption

Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.

Impact

The introduction of SB S08504 could significantly affect the landscape of civil rights protections in New York. By allowing individuals to hold others accountable for constitutional violations, the bill may empower those who feel that their rights have been compromised. This also has the potential to strengthen the enforcement of constitutional protections within the state, as victims of rights violations would have a formal avenue for seeking justice. Furthermore, the enacted law may prompt public officials and entities to act with increased caution in order to avoid liability.

Summary

Senate Bill S08504 seeks to amend New York's civil rights law by establishing civil liability for individuals who deprive others of their constitutional rights, privileges, or immunities. Specifically, the bill proposes that any person acting under the authority of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage that leads to such deprivation shall be liable to the injured party. This establishes a clear legal pathway for individuals who believe their rights have been infringed upon to seek redress in court, through actions at law or suits in equity.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect civil rights, some critics may argue about the implications of liability it poses for public officials and law enforcement. They may contend that it could lead to increased legal challenges and diminish the ability of officials to perform their duties for fear of facing lawsuits. Additionally, discussions on this bill may surface debates regarding the balance of accountability and the need for officials to operate without undue fear of retribution for policy implementation or law enforcement actions.

Companion Bills

NY A09092

Same As Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.

Previously Filed As

NY A02632

Relates to civil actions for deprivation of constitutional rights; provides that a peace officer employed by a local government, who under color of law, subjects or causes to be subjected, including failing to intervene, any other person to the deprivation of any individual rights that create binding obligations on government actors secured by the bill of rights, article one of the state constitution, is liable to the injured party for legal or equitable relief or any other appropriate relief; provides that statutory immunities and statutory limitations on liability, damages or attorney fees shall not apply; governmental immunity shall not be a defense to liability; and qualified immunity shall not be a defense to liability.

NY S05771

Relates to civil actions for deprivation of constitutional rights; provides that a peace officer employed by a local government, who under color of law, subjects or causes to be subjected, including failing to intervene, any other person to the deprivation of any individual rights that create binding obligations on government actors secured by the bill of rights, article one of the state constitution, is liable to the injured party for legal or equitable relief or any other appropriate relief; provides that statutory immunities and statutory limitations on liability, damages or attorney fees shall not apply; governmental immunity shall not be a defense to liability; and qualified immunity shall not be a defense to liability.

NY A05163

Establishes civil liability for anyone subjecting another person to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by law; establishes that the supreme court shall have jurisdiction over such matters and that the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees as part of the costs; provides that the state waives sovereign immunity for violations of such law.

NY S00108

Provides that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof; provides no person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state.

NY A01283

Provides that no person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof; provides no person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state.

NY S08930

Provides that in the city of New York, a part of the court shall be devoted to actions and proceedings where: every party to the proceeding is a natural person; or the petitioner alleges in its petition that it is a "small landlord"; makes related provisions.

NY A06664

Provides that no person shall be denied equal rights under the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof based on that person's sexual orientation or actual or perceived gender identity, appearance, behavior, expression, or other gender-related characteristic regardless of the sex assigned to that person at birth, including, but not limited to, the status of being transgender.

NY S00182

Provides a civil action for deprivation of rights which is caused by any person or public entity.

NY A00710

Provides a civil action for deprivation of rights which is caused by any person or public entity.

NY A00118

Provides that limited liability for persons held jointly liable shall not apply to parties held liable for failing to provide reasonable security or failing to provide security required by federal, state or local law, rules or regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.