People can sue over constitutional violations under federal authority

People can sue someone acting under federal authority for violating their rights under the U.S. Constitution. This covers people within Rhode Island, including those whose constitutional rights are interfered with, or face attempted interference, through threats, intimidation, or coercion. Federal officials have no duties under this law beyond those already imposed by the U.S. Constitution. If a legal disability, such as being underage or mentally unable to act, prevents someone from suing and nobody sues on their behalf within the original deadline, they have three years from when that disability ends. The law takes effect upon passage. Lawsuits generally must begin within three years of the incident.

Defendants cannot use state immunity protections to defend against claims under this law. These rules apply to immunity, meaning legal protection against liability, in lawsuits brought under this law. Federal immunity protections are unavailable only as far as the U.S. Constitution permits.

Courts must award reasonable lawyer fees and legal costs to plaintiffs who succeed. Fee and cost awards apply to lawsuits under this law and come in addition to any other relief awarded. For someone seeking an order to stop or require action, the lawsuit counts as successful if it substantially helps bring about the results sought.