Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026

# Qualified Immunity Abolition Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would eliminate "qualified immunity," a legal doctrine that currently protects police officers and other government employees from being sued for damages in civil courts. Under qualified immunity, officials can only be held financially liable if they violated a "clearly established" right that a reasonable official would have known about. If passed, this bill would remove that protection, making it easier for citizens to sue government employees for constitutional violations. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect law enforcement officers, though it could extend to other government employees as well. Citizens injured by police actions or misconduct would have an easier path to file lawsuits and seek compensation, since officials could no longer claim qualified immunity as a defense.

Supporters argue this increases accountability for misconduct; opponents contend it could expose officers to excessive litigation and discourage people from taking government jobs. **Current Status** HR 7046 is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat from Massachusetts. It remains in the early stages of the legislative process.