By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on a bill that supporters say will protect Bay State residents from direct actions by federal law enforcement that violate individual protections under the United States Constitution. Under the proposal, a person who subjects a resident of Massachusetts to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by the constitution would be liable to the injured party.

“Over the past few weeks, federal agents have brutalized people on the streets of Minneapolis,” said sponsor Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont). “No police necessity can explain their excessive use of force, which has shocked and disgusted fair-minded people across the political spectrum. In the absence of a federal administration willing to hold its agents accountable when they depart from civil norms, states need to impose liability and make court-ordered relief available.”

“I co-sponsored this legislation because no one, regardless of their position or badge, should be above the Constitution,” said Sen. Pavel Payano (D-Lawrence). “When someone’s rights are violated, they deserve a clear and accessible path to accountability and justice. This bill ensures that Massachusetts residents have that protection, even when the harm comes from federal actors operating in our communities.”

“Our commonwealth has long been a place where civil rights are respected and protected,” said co-sponsor Sen. Cindy Creem (D-Newton). “At a time when abuses by federal agents have caused fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities and protesters, this legislation makes clear that no one is above the law. By creating a pathway to hold federal agents accountable for civil rights violations, we are reinforcing our commitment to fairness, due process and the protection of our immigrant neighbors.”