The "Censorship Accountability Act" creates a direct legal pathway for individuals to seek redress against federal employees for violations of their First Amendment rights. It specifically allows any citizen whose First Amendment rights are deprived by a federal employee, acting under color of law, to initiate an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress. This liability extends to individuals in the executive branch, excluding the President and Vice President, but prevents employees from suing their own agency or the Federal Government. Courts are granted discretion to award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party, excluding the United States, in any action brought under this section. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act will remain in effect.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
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Civil actions and liabilityFirst Amendment rightsGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel managementLawyers and legal services
Censorship Accountability Act
USA119th CongressS-67| Senate
| Updated: 1/9/2025
The "Censorship Accountability Act" creates a direct legal pathway for individuals to seek redress against federal employees for violations of their First Amendment rights. It specifically allows any citizen whose First Amendment rights are deprived by a federal employee, acting under color of law, to initiate an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding for redress. This liability extends to individuals in the executive branch, excluding the President and Vice President, but prevents employees from suing their own agency or the Federal Government. Courts are granted discretion to award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party, excluding the United States, in any action brought under this section. The bill also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is found unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act will remain in effect.