House sends proposal creating state civil‑rights remedy to state‑government committee, 109–18

The Minnesota House on Feb. 23, 2026, voted 109–18 to recall House File 3477 from the Judiciary Committee and re‑refer it to the Committee on State Government Finance and Policy for further consideration.

Representative Long (Hennepin), who moved the re‑referral, described House File 3477 as a proposal to create a state civil‑rights cause of action allowing Minnesotans to seek remedies for constitutional‑rights violations by government actors. "This is an important bill to ensure that Minnesotans who have seen their constitutional rights violated ... have the opportunity to seek several remedies," Long said.

Supporters across the aisle recounted incidents they said demonstrated a need for accountability, including alleged violent interactions with federal agents in several communities and examples of property damage and arrests. Representative Liebling said the bill would give victims a remedy: "If you have rights, but there is no remedy for your rights, it's like not having any rights," she said.

Opponents warned the bill could create sweeping new liabilities for state and local governments and questioned whether the state has authority to regulate federal agents. Representative Niska said the bill "creates a whole new cause of action" and urged additional committee review to study impacts on local governments and law enforcement.

After floor debate and a requested roll call, the clerk announced the motion passed with 109 ayes and 18 nays, sending House File 3477 to State Government Finance and Policy for additional work. The committee exchange and expected further amendments were noted on the floor; the bill’s ultimate fate will depend on subsequent committee consideration and potential legal challenges.