CT Bill Lets State Sue Feds for Rights Violations

0:00It's March 24th. This is Hartford News today, AI-powered stories from your city. Connecticut's legislature, Judiciary Committee just advanced Senate Bill 397 along strict party lines. The measure lets the state sue federal law enforcement agents, including immigration officers for violating people's rights. It also sets up protected zones like schools, hospitals, and places of worship, where officers can't make arrests based solely on immigration issues. Earlier this week, Attorney General William Tongue in U.S., Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Democratic leaders at a Hartford press event to back the bill. They pointed out it billed on a 1971 Supreme Court ruling, allowing suits against federal agents, and Connecticut would join states. Like California, Massachusetts, Maine, and Illinois, with similar laws, the push comes after a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer killed a protester in Minneapolis back in January. Democrats argue the bill upholds state powers under the 10th Amendment without clashing with federal supremacy.

1:05They say it holds supervisors accountable, too, even for actions from Washington offices. Republicans split on it with some supporting protected areas to avoid disruptions, but others blasting it as shielding criminals and ignoring local. Citizens safety. The bill also empowers the state inspector general to probe deadly force cases by federal agents and sue of evidence gets blocked. It bans officers from hiding their faces with coverings during operations. Now the bill heads to the full Senate for a vote, where backers expect legal challenges, but see it as a key step until Congress passes broader. Accountability reforms.