UT HB0577

Creates a state-law cause of action allowing Utah citizens to sue individual government employees or agents (federal, state, or local) who violate their federal constitutional rights while acting under color of law

Permits recovery of compensatory damages, equitable relief, and reasonable attorney fees and costs, but explicitly prohibits punitive damages

Applies only when the injured person cannot seek relief under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 or other existing federal statutory schemes for constitutional violations

Does not authorize lawsuits against government entities themselves—liability applies only to individual actors

Takes effect May 6, 2026, applying only to claims that accrue on or after that date, and includes a severability clause