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HB 5301

AN ACT RESTORING QUALIFIED IMMUNITY TO LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Arnie Jensen

HB 5301 restores qualified immunity protections for Connecticut law enforcement, shielding officers from civil lawsuits unless they violated clearly established constitutional rights.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Safety and Security
#immunity #lawenforcement
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5301

Legislative bill overview

HB 5301 would reinstate or restore qualified immunity protections for law enforcement officers in Connecticut. Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that shields police officers from civil lawsuits unless they violated a "clearly established" constitutional right. This bill appears to respond to previous legislative efforts to limit or eliminate qualified immunity protections.

Why is this important

Qualified immunity directly affects both police accountability and officer liability exposure. The doctrine determines whether citizens can sue officers for damages in civil court, impacting compensation for those injured by police conduct and the financial incentives officers face to follow proper procedures. This is a core issue in debates about police reform and accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • Officer protection vs. victim compensation: Supporters argue qualified immunity prevents frivolous lawsuits and protects officers from personal financial ruin; critics contend it shields officers from consequences even for serious misconduct and prevents injured citizens from recovering damages
  • Legal standards clarity: Questions over what constitutes a "clearly established" right and whether this standard adequately deters misconduct or leaves a gap in accountability
  • Political reversal: If prior Connecticut legislation restricted qualified immunity, this bill represents a policy reversal that reflects ongoing polarization over police reform priorities

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

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