AUGUSTA, Maine (Apr. 20, 2021) – A bill introduced in the Maine Senate would eliminate qualified immunity as a defense for police officers sued in state court for using excessive force or taking other actions that violate individual rights. Sen. Anne Carney introduced Senate Bill 1416 (LD1416) on April 8. Maine already allows people to sue law enforcement officers under state law for “using or threatening to use physical force or violence against a person in violation of the Constitution of Maine or the Constitution of the United States of America.” LD1416 would eliminate qualified immunity as a defense to liability for claims brought under state law.