New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08504

Introduced
9/12/25  

Caption

Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.

Impact

The introduction of SB S08504 could significantly affect the landscape of civil rights protections in New York. By allowing individuals to hold others accountable for constitutional violations, the bill may empower those who feel that their rights have been compromised. This also has the potential to strengthen the enforcement of constitutional protections within the state, as victims of rights violations would have a formal avenue for seeking justice. Furthermore, the enacted law may prompt public officials and entities to act with increased caution in order to avoid liability.

Summary

Senate Bill S08504 seeks to amend New York's civil rights law by establishing civil liability for individuals who deprive others of their constitutional rights, privileges, or immunities. Specifically, the bill proposes that any person acting under the authority of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage that leads to such deprivation shall be liable to the injured party. This establishes a clear legal pathway for individuals who believe their rights have been infringed upon to seek redress in court, through actions at law or suits in equity.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect civil rights, some critics may argue about the implications of liability it poses for public officials and law enforcement. They may contend that it could lead to increased legal challenges and diminish the ability of officials to perform their duties for fear of facing lawsuits. Additionally, discussions on this bill may surface debates regarding the balance of accountability and the need for officials to operate without undue fear of retribution for policy implementation or law enforcement actions.

Companion Bills

NY A09092

Same As Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.

Previously Filed As

NY S09762

Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.

NY A09092

Provides that every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of the United States, subjects or causes to be subjected any citizen of New York or other person within the jurisdiction thereof to the deprivation of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the federal or state constitution shall be liable to the injured party in an action at law, suit in equity, or other proper proceeding.

NY S03998

Relates to civil actions for deprivation of constitutional rights; provides that a peace officer employed by a local government, who under color of law, subjects or causes to be subjected, including failing to intervene, any other person to the deprivation of any individual rights that create binding obligations on government actors secured by the bill of rights, article one of the state constitution, is liable to the injured party for legal or equitable relief or any other appropriate relief; provides that statutory immunities and statutory limitations on liability, damages or attorney fees shall not apply; governmental immunity shall not be a defense to liability; and qualified immunity shall not be a defense to liability.

NY A07722

Relates to civil actions for deprivation of constitutional rights; provides that a peace officer employed by a local government, who under color of law, subjects or causes to be subjected, including failing to intervene, any other person to the deprivation of any individual rights that create binding obligations on government actors secured by the bill of rights, article one of the state constitution, is liable to the injured party for legal or equitable relief or any other appropriate relief; provides that statutory immunities and statutory limitations on liability, damages or attorney fees shall not apply; governmental immunity shall not be a defense to liability; and qualified immunity shall not be a defense to liability.

NY S09071

Establishes the crime of interference with constitutional rights by public officials when, acting under color of law, such public official by force or threat of force, or by intimidation or coercion, recklessly engages in conduct which injures, intimidates, interferes with, or attempts to injure, intimidate, or interfere with another person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the constitution or laws of the United States; or the constitution or laws of the state of New York; provides such offense is a class A misdemeanor which elevates if bodily injury occurs.

NY A10070

Establishes the crime of interference with constitutional rights by public officials when, acting under color of law, such public official by force or threat of force, or by intimidation or coercion, recklessly engages in conduct which injures, intimidates, interferes with, or attempts to injure, intimidate, or interfere with another person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured by the constitution or laws of the United States; or the constitution or laws of the state of New York; provides such offense is a class A misdemeanor which elevates if bodily injury occurs.

NY SB747

Civil rights: deprivation of federal constitutional rights, privileges, and immunities.

NY SB486

Creating a civil cause of action for violations of the constitution or laws of the United States by any person acting under the color of law.

NY A01081

Establishes civil liability for anyone subjecting another person to the deprivation of any rights, privileges or immunities secured by law; establishes that the supreme court shall have jurisdiction over such matters and that the prevailing party shall be awarded reasonable attorney's fees as part of the costs; provides that the state waives sovereign immunity for violations of such law.

NY S08662

Limits the authority of cities, villages and towns to impose certain zoning regulations, ordinances, or local laws which would have the effect of reducing the number or density of allowable housing units in the area subject to the regulations, ordinances, or local laws.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.