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Congress·In Committee·3 months ago

Senate Committee Reviews Bivens Act to Let Americans Sue Federal Officials for Rights Violations

Also known as: Bivens Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
Senate
House
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(1)
Federal Employee
Hurts

Key Points

  • Would let people sue individuals acting under federal authority if they violate someone’s rights.
  • Does this by expanding an existing civil rights lawsuit law that currently focuses on state and local officials.
  • Could make it easier to seek money damages in court for things like unlawful searches, excessive force, or other rights violations by federal actors.
  • Would likely increase legal risk and accountability for federal officers and employees, and could lead to more lawsuits involving federal conduct.
Civil RightsCriminal JusticeConsumer Protection

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Nov 18, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Nov 18, 2025

Introduced in Senate

Related News

2 articles
The Hill·27 days ago

Take the battle against ICE off the streets and into the courts

Legal expert Chris Truax advocates for the Bivens Act of 2025, arguing it would close a loophole that shields federal agents from personal liability. The bill would expand 42 U.S.C. § 1983 to allow individuals to sue federal officers for constitutional violations like excessive force.

C+
Bloomberg Law·about 2 months ago

Renee Good’s Family Will Hit Federal Immunity Wall if They Sue

Discussing a recent ICE shooting in Minneapolis, the article notes that federal officials enjoy near-complete immunity from lawsuits. It identifies the Bivens Act of 2025 as a legislative effort to include federal actors under Section 1983 and overturn decades of judicial restrictions.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

A bill to provide a civil remedy for an individual whose rights have been violated by a person acting under Federal authority, and for other purposes.

Bill NumberS 3187
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(6)
D: 6

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.