About End QI NY
What is qualified Immunity?
Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine invented by the Supreme Court that shields government officials from civil lawsuits when they violate your constitutional rights—even in cases of extreme brutality or clear misconduct.
The doctrine requires victims to prove that the specific right violated was "clearly established" by finding a prior court case with nearly identical facts. In practice, this has become an almost impossible standard to meet.
Even when courts acknowledge that an official violated someone's constitutional rights, they routinely grant immunity because no previous case involved the exact same circumstances.
The result: officials walk free, victims are denied justice, and unconstitutional behavior continues unchecked.
67 %
of New York's registered voters support ending qualified immunity
The Bill To End Qualified Immunity (S 176 / A 1402)
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If a public official violates your constitutional rights, you have to bring a 1983 action in Federal Court where Qualified Immunity applies.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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Civil rights cases are often dragged out for years because of Qualified Immunity. The often insurmountable barrier makes taking on these cases a gamble for civil rights attorneys who might not be paid unless they’re successful in recovering damages.
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Under Current Law
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The bill creates a new pathway in the NY State Courts
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The bill removes a Qualified Immunity Defense. Cases are are decided on the facts and the merits.
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Legal fees are covered for New Yorkers whose cases lead to broader policy change, even if their underlying claims are unsuccessful, making it more likely for attorneys to take on difficult cases.
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With S 176 / A 1402
Where we stand
23
Senate co-sponsors. That’s a 1/3 of the NYS Senate.
47
Assembly co-sponsors–nearly half of the Democratic Conference.
70+
organizations support the Bill.
oUR COALITION
End QI NY is a statewide coalition of 70+ organizations united in the fight for accountability. We represent impacted families, civil rights advocates, legal experts, faith communities, public safety groups, and community organizations from every corner of New York.
