SB 355

This bill establishes a civil cause of action for civil rights violations. Under the bill, any person who has been deprived of any due process or equal protection rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the constitution or laws of the United States, or any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by the constitution or laws of this state, by a person acting under color of law, or whose exercise or enjoyment of those rights, privileges, or immunities has been interfered with or attempted to be interfered with, by threats, intimidation, or coercion by a person acting under color of law, has a cause of action and may bring suit against another person, including the state or any political subdivision, department, agency, or instrumentality of the state, for damages and for injunctive or other appropriate relief. The bill provides that the court must also award reasonable attorney fees and costs to a plaintiff that prevails in an action under the bill. Under the bill, a plaintiff must bring an action for a violation of the provisions in the bill within six years after the alleged violation occurs.