Bivens Act of 2025
Senate Committee Reviews Bivens Act to Let Americans Sue Federal Officials for Rights Violations
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.
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
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.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
2 articlesTake 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.
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.
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.
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(10)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.