HB 4 would allow people to sue any public agency – such as the state, city, or county – or their employees for violating civil rights under the New Mexico Constitution. However, the bill sponsors said that only the government agency can be sued on behalf of an employee, which means that individual officers or employees cannot be sued in person.
Proponents of the law believe it could increase accountability for law enforcement agencies and local governments. However, opponents of the bill said they believe the bill will affect the recruitment and retention of high-quality civil servants across New Mexico and make cities and counties more susceptible to lawsuits
When the bill passes the committee on Wednesday, it will go to the entire Senate for a vote.
Comments are closed.