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Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7046| House 
| Updated: 1/13/2026
Ayanna Pressley

Ayanna Pressley

Democratic Representative

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (13)
Nikema Williams (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Al Green (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026 , significantly amends Section 1979 of the Revised Statutes, codified as 42 U.S.C. 1983, to remove the defense of qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. It stipulates that in civil actions against federal, state, or local law enforcement officers, certain common defenses will no longer be valid. Specifically, officers will be unable to claim they acted in good faith , believed their conduct was lawful, or that the rights violated were not clearly established at the time of the incident. These changes apply to all cases pending on or filed after the bill's enactment, making it easier to hold officers accountable for constitutional violations. Furthermore, the bill explicitly expands the scope of 42 U.S.C. 1983 to include civil actions against federal law enforcement officers acting under federal authority, ensuring they are subject to the same accountability standards as state and local officers.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8979
Qualified Immunity Abolition Act
Jan 12, 2026
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H649)
Jan 13, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3625
Introduced in Senate
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 13, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8979
    Qualified Immunity Abolition Act


  • January 12, 2026
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H649)


  • January 13, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3625
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 13, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 13, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • S 119-3625: Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026

Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7046| House 
| Updated: 1/13/2026
This bill, known as the Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026 , significantly amends Section 1979 of the Revised Statutes, codified as 42 U.S.C. 1983, to remove the defense of qualified immunity for law enforcement officers. It stipulates that in civil actions against federal, state, or local law enforcement officers, certain common defenses will no longer be valid. Specifically, officers will be unable to claim they acted in good faith , believed their conduct was lawful, or that the rights violated were not clearly established at the time of the incident. These changes apply to all cases pending on or filed after the bill's enactment, making it easier to hold officers accountable for constitutional violations. Furthermore, the bill explicitly expands the scope of 42 U.S.C. 1983 to include civil actions against federal law enforcement officers acting under federal authority, ensuring they are subject to the same accountability standards as state and local officers.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8979
Qualified Immunity Abolition Act
Jan 12, 2026
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H649)
Jan 13, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-3625
Introduced in Senate
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced in House
Jan 13, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8979
    Qualified Immunity Abolition Act


  • January 12, 2026
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H649)


  • January 13, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-3625
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 13, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • January 13, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Ayanna Pressley

Ayanna Pressley

Democratic Representative

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (13)
Nikema Williams (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Ilhan Omar (Democratic)Maxwell Frost (Democratic)Delia C. Ramirez (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Al Green (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Lateefah Simon (Democratic)James P. McGovern (Democratic)Jesús G. "Chuy" García (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)Chellie Pingree (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

Crime and Law Enforcement

Related Bills

  • S 119-3625: Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted