The legislation would create a cause of action in state courts to sue an agent of the state of New Hampshire, or any of its political subdivisions, including police officers, for a violation of a right under the laws or constitution of New Hampshire or the United States Constitution.
CONCORD, N.H. (March 10, 2021) – Last week, a New Hampshire House committee passed a bill that would create a process to sue police officers in state court for using excessive force or taking other actions that violate individual rights without the possibility of “qualified immunity” as a defense.
A bipartisan coalition of eight representatives introduced House Bill 111 (HB111) on Jan. 6. The legislation would create a cause of action in state courts to sue an agent of the state of New Hampshire, or any of its political subdivisions, including police officers, for a “violation of a right under the laws or constitution of New Hampshire or the United States.”