Criminal Justice (Civil Liberties)

HB 2685, the "Public Official Accountability Act," creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue state or local public officials - such as law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, or elected officials - for personal financial liability when they violate constitutional rights or exceed their lawful duties. It requires plaintiffs to prove, by a preponderance of evidence, that the official acted knowingly, willfully, or in reckless disregard of the law (excluding good-faith actions under valid court orders or statutes). Officials cannot claim qualified immunity, sovereign immunity, or judicial/legislative immunity for core functions, and damages may include compensatory, punitive (capped at $500,000 or 3x compensatory), and attorney fees. The bill does not affect federal claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and applies only to actions outside official duties or constitutional violations.