A new bill, Senate Bill 747, known as the “No Kings Act,” could soon give Californians more power to sue federal law enforcement officers in state courts.
The bill, introduced by State Senator Scott Wiener, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8-2 vote on Tuesday and is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. This legislation seeks to hold federal officers accountable for alleged constitutional violations, including excessive force and unlawful searches.
Senator Wiener emphasized the need for accountability, stating,
“We’ve had enough of these terror campaigns in our communities by ICE. We need the rule of law, and we need accountability.”
The bill comes in the wake of recent incidents involving federal officers, such as the shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota and the detention of George Retes Jr. in California, both of which have sparked outrage and calls for reform.
Currently, Californians can sue state and local law enforcement for constitutional violations, but successful lawsuits against federal officers are rare. The bill aims to change this by making it easier for residents to take legal action against federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If passed, the bill would be retroactive to March 2025.
While the bill has garnered support from those advocating for more oversight of federal officers, it has also faced opposition. Representatives from law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about potential unintended consequences for state and local officials. David Mastagni, representing the Peace Officers Research Association of California, stated, “We’re not opposed to the intent of the bill. We’re just concerned about the future and the unintended consequences for your California employees.”
The bill is part of a broader effort by California legislators to challenge federal immigration policies and ensure accountability. If approved by the legislature and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, it could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures.
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