WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 6502

AN ACT ALLOWING AN INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL OF A TRIAL COURT'S DENIAL OF THE APPLICATION OF GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY WHEN A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS ALLEGED TO HAVE DEPRIVED A PERSON OF RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES PROVIDED UNDER STATE LAW.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tom O'Dea

HB 6502 allows pre-trial appeals of police immunity denials, letting courts rule on government liability early, impacting officers, agencies, and plaintiffs.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Judiciary
#immunity #lawenforcement
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 6502

Summary of HB 6502

Overview

HB 6502 is a proposed Act titled: “An Act Allowing an Interlocutory Appeal of a Trial Court's Denial of the Application of Governmental Immunity When a Law Enforcement Officer is Alleged to Have Deprived a Person of Rights and Privileges Provided Under State Law.” The bill aims to create or formalize a mechanism for immediate appellate review of a trial court’s ruling denying governmental immunity in certain civil rights cases involving law enforcement officers.

Purpose and intent

  • The central purpose, as indicated by the title, is to permit an interlocutory (pre-trial) appeal of a trial court’s denial of governmental immunity.
  • The scenario contemplated involves cases where a law enforcement officer is alleged to have deprived a person of rights and privileges guaranteed under state law.
  • By allowing appellate review before trial proceeds, the bill seeks to provide earlier resolution of whether immunity shields the government or its officers from civil liability.

Key provisions (as suggested by the bill’s title)

  • Authorization of an interlocutory appeal of a trial court’s denial of governmental immunity in specified cases.
  • The focus is on actions involving law enforcement officers alleged to have violated state-law rights and privileges.
  • The legislation would establish the procedural framework for such appeals (eligibility, timing, standards of review) and govern which parties may seek or defend an interlocutory appeal.
  • The bill would likely address how interim proceedings (discovery, pretrial motions) are affected while the appeal is pending.
  • Standards for determining whether immunity should be extended or denied on appeal would be defined in the full text (not provided here).

Note: The exact statutory language, scope, standards of review, and procedural steps would be clarified in the bill’s full text.

Who would be affected

  • Government entities and their law enforcement agencies, and the officers themselves, by altering whether immunity defenses can be reviewed before trial.
  • Plaintiffs or civil claimants asserting deprivation of state-law rights and privileges, who may be affected by whether immunity is upheld or denied at the pre-trial stage.
  • State judiciary and appellate courts, which would handle additional interlocutory appeals.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 24, 2025.
  • Status: Ref. to Joint Committee on Judiciary (RE: Legislative Action on the same date).
  • No further committee actions or floor actions are listed yet; final fate will depend on committee consideration and potential amendments.

Potential impact (neutral assessment)

  • Pros: Could provide earlier resolution of immunity questions, potentially reducing unnecessary discovery and pre-trial costs if immunity bars liability; clarifies rights and protections for government actors.
  • Cons: May limit plaintiffs’ ability to proceed with certain claims before immunity is resolved; could increase appellate caseload and extend timelines in some cases.

Next steps

  • Monitor HB 6502’s progress through the Joint Committee on Judiciary and any subsequent floor votes.
  • Review the full text upon release to understand eligibility, standards of review, expedited procedures, and any carve-outs or exceptions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.