Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes citizens of Vermont to sue federal officials for constitutional rights violations.

Highlights:

• Establishes a state civil cause of action against any government official who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, deprives any person within Vermont’s jurisdiction of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution (Sec. 1)

• Prohibits injunctive relief against judicial officers acting in their judicial capacity unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that defenses available to defendants under existing federal law regarding suits against state and federal officials are equally available to defendants in actions brought under this section (Sec. 1). 

• Requires Vermont courts to be guided by federal court interpretations of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 when construing this section (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect July 1, 2026 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes citizens of Vermont to sue federal officials for constitutional rights violations.

Highlights:

• Establishes a state civil cause of action against any government official who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, deprives any person within Vermont’s jurisdiction of rights secured by the U.S. Constitution (Sec. 1)

• Prohibits injunctive relief against judicial officers acting in their judicial capacity unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that defenses available to defendants under existing federal law regarding suits against state and federal officials are equally available to defendants in actions brought under this section (Sec. 1). 

• Requires Vermont courts to be guided by federal court interpretations of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 when construing this section (Sec. 1). 

• Specifies that this act takes effect July 1, 2026 (Sec. 2).

Full Bill Text