Oregon House approves 'Protect Your Door' bill creating civil remedy for unconstitutional entries
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Summary
The House passed House Bill 4,114 A, creating a state civil cause of action for warrantless entries onto protected property when no judicial exception applies; supporters cited traumatic federal entries, opponents warned of supremacy‑clause litigation and consequences for law enforcement.
The Oregon House on Feb. 18 approved House Bill 4,114 A, the "Protect Your Door Act," establishing a state civil cause of action when an individual acting under color of law enters protected property without a valid judicial warrant or a recognized exception.
Sponsor Representative Munoz said the bill "says that in Oregon, your home is your home," and described it as a tool to restore accountability when constitutional protections are breached. She and other supporters recounted incidents in which federal agents forced entry into private homes without confirmed identity or apparent warrants; Representative Ruiz described one Rockwood family’s experience in which children were traumatized after agents entered an apartment with rifles drawn.
Opponents raised constitutional concerns. Representative Juncker argued the measure risks conflicting with the federal supremacy clause, exposing Oregon to litigation and complicating joint task forces that rely on federal‑state cooperation. Supporters countered that state remedies are necessary where federal avenues are limited or immunity applies and said the bill was carefully drafted to avoid duplicating federal civil rights remedies.
The bill allows owners or occupants of protected property — including homes, vehicles in private property, places of worship, schools and medical facilities — to bring an action for actual and non‑economic damages, equitable relief and attorney fees, and permits courts to award fees for prevailing plaintiffs and in some cases defendants. The statute provides a two‑year statute of limitations and exempts claims already subject to certain federal actions.
After extended debate focused on constitutional preemption and public‑safety tradeoffs, the House voted and the measure received the constitutional majority required for final passage. Sponsors said the law will provide remedies for families whose Fourth Amendment rights are violated and reaffirm that warrants, consent or recognized emergencies are required for entry.
What’s next: With House passage, the bill will proceed to the Senate for its consideration. Supporters say the bill is intended to reinforce constitutional protections while minimizing impacts on lawful law‑enforcement activity.