Congressman Bill Posey (FL-8) along with Reps. Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Andrew Garbarino (NY-02), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Claudia Tenney (NY-22), and Greg Steube (FL-17), introduced the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act (H.R.4500), which protects qualified immunity for police officers serving at the state and local levels across the country.
The legislation reaffirms the Supreme Court case, Saucier v. Katz, which held that a police officer is only liable if an individual’s constitutional rights have been clearly violated. The Local Law Enforcement Protection Act would prevent state and local governments that remove qualified immunity protections for police from applying for certain federal grants.
“Law enforcement officers put their lives in harm’s way to ensure our communities are safe each day. I find it shameful that House Democrats continue to call for the police to be defunded and for qualified immunity to end, especially as crime and attacks against police are on the rise in America,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “It is imperative that we stand with law enforcement to ensure they’re not subject to harassment and frivolous litigation simply for doing their jobs. I’m honored to introduce the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act with my colleagues and to stand with our heroes in blue.”
“Our law enforcement officers protect our businesses, homes, and neighborhoods, at great personal risk to themselves and their families”, said Congressman Posey. “We should not deprive them of the same protections that we extend to other government employees. Rather, we should make sure our law enforcement officers continue to have the support they need to safely and successfully do their jobs and keep the peace.”