HB 1314: Civil Action for Deprivation of Rights; Liability of Persons Acting Under Color of Law
🔴 THREAT LEVEL: HIGH
BILL SNAPSHOT
Bill Number: HB 1314
Bill Patron: Del. Michelle Lopes Maldonado [D]
Bill Area: Law Enforcement / Civil Liability
QUICK SUMMARY
HB 1314 creates a new state-level “right to sue” law enforcement officers & government officials for “alleged” violations of constitutional rights while acting in their official capacity. The bill allows lawsuits and permits courts to award compensatory damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
RALLY ANALYSIS
This bill dramatically expands civil liability for public servants, especially law enforcement. It gets rid of qualified immunity for police officers, lowers the legal threshold for lawsuits, and makes it easier to sue.
Rather than improving accountability, HB 1314 fuels a litigation-first approach that threatens public safety.
WHY THIS MATTERS
- Targets law enforcement
- Encourages frivolous and politically motivated lawsuits
- Chills proactive policing and emergency response
- Exposes taxpayers to massive legal costs and settlements
- This is not reform – it is political warfare against public servants
RALLY VERDICT: ❌ STRONGLY OPPOSE
Rally Virginia opposes HB 1314 because it:
- Undermines law enforcement and public safety
- Encourages politically motivated courtroom activism
Bottom Line: Virginia should protect civil rights without turning law enforcement and public service into legal targets.
RALLY RADAR — THREAT LEVEL LEGEND
⚫ CRITICAL THREAT — Immediate and severe harm; must be stopped
🔴 HIGH THREAT — Serious risk to safety, liberty, or governance
🟡 MODERATE THREAT — Concerning but limited scope
🟢 LOW THREAT — Minimal impact or symbolic
