NY S08500

Creates the "New York Civil Rights Act" allowing individuals to sue any federal, state, or local official who violates their U.S. Constitutional rights while acting under color of law

Establishes liability for officials who deprive any citizen or person within New York's jurisdiction of constitutional rights, privileges, or immunities

Permits defendants to assert absolute or qualified immunity defenses to the same extent as under federal 42 U.S.C. § 1983 lawsuits, and preserves sovereign immunity defenses

Authorizes courts to award compensatory damages (including emotional distress and pain and suffering), punitive damages for malicious or reckless violations, and injunctive or declaratory relief

Requires payment of reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, including expert fees, to prevailing plaintiffs