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California Senate approves ‘No Kings Act’ to let state courts hear suits against federal officers
Summary
After lengthy, emotional debate, the California State Senate passed SB 747 to give state courts a civil cause of action when federal officers violate constitutional rights. Supporters said the bill closes an accountability gap; opponents warned it could expand litigation and affect local law enforcement partnerships.
Senators passed SB 747, the No Kings Act, after a daylong floor debate that divided the chamber along lines of civil-rights advocacy and law-enforcement concern. The bill, authored on the floor by Senator Scott Wiener, would create a cause of action in California law mirroring the scope of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 so that state courts can adjudicate constitutional violations committed by federal officers.
Wiener, the bill’s author, told colleagues the measure is designed to end “impunity” by federal agents and provide Californians a remedy when federal avenues fail. “If the federal government won’t hold these agents accountable for violating the…
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