Bill · S. 3824· Senate(119-S-3824)
State Authority to Protect Civil Rights
- Introduced
- 2/10/2026
- Last activity
- 2/10/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Cory Booker
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "State Authority to Protect Civil Rights," seeks to amend title 18 of the United States Code. It focuses on providing specific authorities to State attorneys general regarding civil rights violations. The legislation modifies sections related to conspiracies against rights and the deprivation of rights under color of law. Specifically, it allows State attorneys general to initiate civil actions in federal court. These actions can be taken on behalf of residents in their state when certain injuries or violations occur.
Yes· 3 of 9
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+7
The bill expands the authority of State attorneys general to initiate civil actions in federal court on behalf of their residents.
Does this change how police departments operate?+6
By allowing State attorneys general to sue for rights violations committed under color of law, the bill increases accountability for law enforcement conduct.
Would Black Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill provides a mechanism for State-led civil action to address rights violations that disproportionately affect minority communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Civil Action for Bodily Injury or Death: If a State attorney general has reasonable cause to believe a person or group suffered bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death due to a conspiracy against rights, they can start a civil action. This allows the State to act on behalf of its residents (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Protection Against Deprivation of Rights: State attorneys general can commence civil actions if they have reasonable cause to believe persons are being, have been, or may be injured by conduct violating rights under color of law (Section 2(b)(1)).
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Availability of Relief: In these legal actions, courts have the power to award relief such as temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctions. Additionally, if the defendant's conduct was malicious, oppressive, or in reckless disregard of rights, the court may award compensatory or punitive damages (Section 2(a)(2) and Section 2(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts are explicitly detailed within the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For African Americans+5Good For Hispanic Americans+5Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Low Income Households+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Policing Reform+6Improves Disability Rights+5Improves Racial Equity+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+7Improves Due Process+5
- 2/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in Senate