AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY AS A DEFENSE IN CIVIL ACTIONS RESULTING FROM DEPRIVATION OF EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE COMMITTED BY A STATE ELECTED OFFICIAL.

HB 6177 removes governmental immunity as a defense in civil lawsuits when state elected officials (including legislators, the Governor, Attorney General, and other top officials) violate equal protection rights under state law. It specifically states that such officials cannot claim immunity unless they objectively believed their actions did not break the law at the time. The bill directly affects these officials by making them personally liable for equal protection violations in court, similar to how police officers are held accountable. This changes the legal standard for civil cases against elected leaders by requiring them to demonstrate good faith intent to avoid liability. The law applies to all civil actions seeking damages for deprivation of equal protection or equal privileges under state law.