News: Myrie Civil Rights Protections Included in Final State Budget

ALBANY— The state budget agreement passed today includes language championed by Senator Zellnor Myrie (D-Central Brooklyn) that protects New Yorkers' constitutional rights from violations by government agents. The provision allows for civil damages against government officials who, while acting under color of law, deprive New Yorkers' of their constitutionally-protected civil rights.

"Our civil rights don't mean anything without a way to enforce them," said Senator Myrie, chair of the Senate Codes Committee and original sponsor of the New York Civil Rights Act. "We've seen the government's egregious conduct in cities across the country, and victims of these unconstitutional actions must have a way to hold rogue officials accountable. Today, New York is stepping up for justice and putting all government agents on notice: our constitutional rights matter, and we are taking strong action to protect them."

Click here for video of Senator Myrie's remarks on the bill.

The budget agreement amends state law by providing for a right of action based on a person acting under the color of law who deprives an individual's rights secured by the Constitution of the United States. The bill provides for remedies such as compensatory damages, punitive damages, injunctive and declaratory relief, and attorney's fees.

The omnibus immigration package passed today also includes provisions that limit state and local participation in federal civil
immigration enforcement (the "Local Cops, Local Crimes Act"); protects schools, child care settings, and other sensitive locations from being used for immigration enforcement without judicial process; restricts masked law enforcement activity; and establishes a new office within the Office of the Attorney General to investigate and enforce compliance.