Common law defenses of judicial and quasi-judicial immunity limited.

HF 3503 limits the common law defense of judicial and quasi-judicial immunity for state officials, such as judges and court personnel, when they violate specific rules while acting in bad faith or with actual malice. The bill defines "bad faith" as intentionally misleading or deceiving and "actual malice" as acting with ill will or improper intent to cause harm. It removes immunity protection if an official violates a mandatory rule (like a ministerial duty) or the Code of Judicial Conduct and acts with bad faith or actual malice, shifting the burden to the plaintiff to prove those elements by clear and convincing evidence. The law takes effect on August 1, 2026, for cases arising after that date.