An Act Creating A Private Right Of Action Against A Government Employer

This bill creates a legal pathway for individuals to sue a government employer (such as a city, state agency, or county) directly when a government employee intentionally violates their constitutional rights under the U.S. or Maine Constitution. It removes common legal immunities (like sovereign or qualified immunity) that previously protected government entities, making the employer liable instead of the individual employee. Key provisions include a 3-year statute of limitations, requirements for the government to notify the employee within 10 days of a lawsuit, and rules for evaluating use-of-force claims based on the officer’s perspective at the time of the incident. Successful plaintiffs may recover attorney fees, and a court finding of constitutional violation can serve as "just cause" for terminating the employee’s contract.