Created: March 11, 2021 04:30 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.- A controversial bill will be heard on the Senate floor.
Late Wednesday night, the New Mexico Civil Rights Act narrowly passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.
It creates a way for people to sue state government, cities, counties and school districts if their civil rights were violated by a public employee.
It also removes the defense of qualified immunity. House Bill 4 would allow New Mexicans who have had their rights violated to have their day in court, said Brenda Boatman of Americans for Prosperity. It removes the barrier of a judge created doctrine and gives strength to the New Mexican constitution.
Overhauled Civil Rights Bill Would Cap Damages Filed Against Government Agencies At $2 Million In New Mexico - 9:59 am
Two Santa Fe Police officers escort a man in December at the intersection of Cerrillos Road and St. Michael’s Drive. Photo by Luis Sánchez Saturno/SFNM
By DANIEL J. CHACÓN
SFNM
An overhauled civil rights bill that would prohibit “qualified immunity” as a defense to legal claims filed against government agencies would cap damages at $2 million, a change intended to assuage concerns about potentially crippling financial impacts on local governments.
In another major change to a revised version of House Bill 4, introduced Friday, legal claims brought under the proposed New Mexico Civil Rights Act could only be filed against a government agency, not an individual employee.
Luis Sánchez Saturno/Santa Fe New Mexican
Two Santa Fe Police officers escort a man in December at the intersection of Cerrillos Road and St. Michael’s Drive.
An overhauled civil rights bill that would prohibit “qualified immunity” as a defense to legal claims filed against government agencies would cap damages at $2 million, a change intended to assuage concerns about potentially crippling financial impacts on local governments.
In another major change to a revised version of House Bill 4, introduced Friday, legal claims brought under the proposed New Mexico Civil Rights Act could only be filed against a government agency, not an individual employee.