SB 1336
An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for deprivation of rights.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania law to provide a legal mechanism for protecting individuals’ constitutional rights and privileges. It prohibits individuals, whether acting under color of law, from depriving others of substantive due process or equal protection rights, or from interfering with the exercise of those rights. The Attorney General or district attorneys can bring civil actions to enforce these protections, and courts can award attorney fees, damages, and civil penalties for violations.
Key provisions
- Prohibits deprivation of substantive due process or equal protection rights.
- Prohibits interference with the exercise of constitutional rights through threats or coercion.
- Allows the Attorney General or district attorneys to bring civil actions on behalf of injured parties.
- Provides for court awards of attorney fees and costs in successful civil actions.
- Establishes a civil penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation.
- Permits courts to award injunctive relief and damages.
- Defines ‘acting under color of law’ in the context of these prohibitions.
- Specifies that actions can be brought in the name of the Commonwealth.
Who is affected
- Individuals whose constitutional rights are threatened.
- Law enforcement officials and other government employees.
- The Attorney General and District Attorneys.
- The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
- Citizens of Pennsylvania
Notable changes
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