The push to end qualified immunity in NY By Susan Arbetter City of Albany PUBLISHED 4:02 PM ET May. 25, 2021 PUBLISHED 4:02 PM EDT May. 25, 2021
SHARE
Qualified immunity is a Supreme Court doctrine that shields employees of state and federal governments from being held civilly liable for constitutional violations.
Under the umbrella of policing, qualified immunity has prevented officers who use excessive from being held accountable for their conduct.
A bill to end qualified immunity in New York state, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson and Assemblymember Pam Hunter, currently sits in the Government Operations Committees in both houses of the state legislature.
On
Through an interpreter, Giovanni shares his story of being a painter during the pandemic.
“People didn’t want us inside their homes, enclosed spaces where social distancing is very difficult. It is so disheartening the government believes we don’t need help and would allow our families to go hungry. It’s been a full year and the federal government refuses to give us our share so we’re calling our state to do so.” said Giovanni
The group also expressed support for the “Invest In Our New York Act,” which would raise taxes on ultra-wealthy residents. Campaign Organizer Hellen Cordova says the revenue generated could provide $750 a week in temporary aid. She says the workers have stepped up to perform what many might call essential jobs during the prolonged shutdown.