BOSTON, MA (April 29, 2021) – A bill introduced in the Massachusetts House 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. Rep Antonio Cabral (D) introduced House Bill 1479 (H1479) on March 29. Massachusetts already allows people to sue law enforcement officers under state law for “an alleged act or failure to act which constitutes a violation of the civil rights of any person under federal or state law.” H1479 would eliminate qualified immunity as a defense to liability for claims brought under state law with the following language: