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 officials from being sued for damages in civil court, unless they violated a "clearly established" constitutional right. If passed, the bill would allow citizens to sue federal, state, and local officials more easily for alleged constitutional violations, even if previous court rulings hadn't explicitly addressed the exact situation in question. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily impact law enforcement officers and other government employees, who could face more lawsuits and potential financial liability for their actions on the job. It would also affect citizens and civil rights advocates, who would have expanded legal recourse to seek damages if they believe their rights were violated.

Additionally, it could influence how government agencies train and supervise their employees. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. Qualified immunity reform has been a recurring topic in Congress, with supporters arguing it prevents accountability for misconduct and opponents contending it's necessary to protect officials performing difficult jobs.