Bill · S. 1487· Senate(119-S-1487)
LIABLE Act
- Introduced
- 4/10/2025
- Last activity
- 4/10/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 8 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism Act," or "LIABLE Act," amends title 28 of the United States Code. It clarifies that international organizations do not have immunity from U.S. courts in certain terrorism-related cases. Specifically, it allows lawsuits for money damages regarding personal injury or death caused by acts like torture or providing material support for such acts. These claims apply if an official, employee, or agent of the organization acted within their scope of employment. The bill specifies who can bring these claims and sets a 20-year time limit for starting the action.
Yes
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?+7
Provides a legal pathway for victims of torture and terrorism to seek justice and damages in court.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+6
Specifically enables claims for members of the armed forces targeted by terrorism-related acts.
The opposite
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?-2
Limiting immunity for international organizations may strain diplomatic relations with such bodies.
Does this favour talking over confrontation abroad?-2
Creating legal vulnerabilities for international organizations could complicate diplomatic engagements.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Legal Redress: Under Section 1621(b)(1), individuals can seek money damages for personal injury or death caused by torture, extrajudicial killing, aircraft sabotage, hostage taking, or material support for these acts. This allows victims or their families to hold international organizations accountable in U.S. or State courts.
-
Protection for U.S. Personnel: Section 1621(b)(2)(B)(i) specifically enables claims if the victim or claimant was a national of the United States, a member of the armed forces, or a U.S. Government employee or contractor.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Time Limitations on Justice: Section 1621(c) limits the ability to bring an action to no later than 20 years after the date the cause of action arose, meaning those with claims older than 20 years cannot use this law.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Due Process+7
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Veterans+6
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Diplomatic Engagement-2Improves International Alliances-2
- 4/10/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 8 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
John BarrassoRepublican · Wyoming
Ted BuddRepublican · North Carolina
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Steve DainesRepublican · Montana
Bill HagertyRepublican · Tennessee
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Rick ScottRepublican · Florida
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri