VT H0849

Creates a new civil cause of action allowing any person to sue federal, state, or local government officials for violating rights secured by the U.S. Constitution when acting under color of law

Applies to officials acting under any statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage of the United States, any U.S. state or territory, or the District of Columbia

Preserves all defenses available under the federal civil rights statute (42 U.S.C. § 1983), including qualified and absolute immunity, but limits these immunity defenses to actions brought under this specific section only

Restricts injunctive relief against judicial officers for acts taken in their judicial capacity unless a declaratory decree was violated or declaratory relief was unavailable

Takes effect July 1, 2026, with Vermont courts directed to follow federal court interpretations of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 when construing this law