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Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) Introduces Legislation to Hold Police Officers and Government Entities Accountable for Tragic Deaths

June 4, 2020

WASHINGTON, DC – In light of the recent violent attacks of African Americans by police around the United States, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) introduced the Restoration of Civil Rights Act of 2020—legislation that aims to hold police officers and jurisdictions accountable for violations of civilians' constitutional rights.

"George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery are just the latest victims of rogue policing that has taken numerous lives of black and brown people across our country for many years," said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33). "This legislation seeks to end this unjustified police violence and save lives by eliminating qualified immunity—a move that will eliminate the shield officers have from accountability in instances of police brutality and excessive force."

My legislation will: restore the Civil Rights Act of 1871 by eliminating the defense of qualified immunity; make governmental entities responsible and accountable for the acts of their employees and agents in the course and scope of their employment, as all private entities are in our legal system; restore the right to sue a state for federal constitutional violations; and creates a pathway for prosecution if a US Attorney in one jurisdiction refuses to pursue a case, by allowing a US Attorney in another jurisdiction can take up the case and prosecute it.

The introduction of the Restoration of Civil Rights Act of 2020 builds on Congressman Veasey's robust record of fighting for justice. Since he has been in Congress, he has led and cosponsored many pieces of legislation that will hold officers accountable, boost transparency in investigations and give justice to those that have been impacted by police brutality.