Congresswoman Tenney Reintroduces the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act to Protect Qualified Immunity

May 15, 2025 

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24), alongside Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2), reintroduced the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act to protect qualified immunity for police officers serving at the state and local levels nationwide.

This bill solidifies the precedent set in the Supreme Court case Saucier v. Katz, which ruled that police officers can only be held liable if there is a clear violation of an individual's constitutional rights. The Local Law Enforcement Protection Act will block federal grants to state and local governments if they deprive police officers of qualified immunity protections. 

“As assaults on police officers continue to increase and the radical Left's ‘Defund the Police’ movement gains traction, some local and state-level governments are cutting police budgets and working to strip away qualified immunity. Police officers who put their lives on the line every day should be able to do their jobs without the constant threat of senseless lawsuits. The Local Law Enforcement Protection Act safeguards qualified immunity for these courageous police officers who risk their lives to serve our community. I will continue to stand with our men and women in blue to ensure they are treated like the heroes they are,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

 “Qualified immunity has long protected law enforcement officers from being sued for doing their jobs when acting lawfully in the line of duty. Police protect and serve our communities every day—we have a responsibility to stand with them, not tie their hands. I’m proud to co-lead the Local Law Enforcement Protection Act, which discourages state and local governments from adopting harmful policies that undermine our law enforcement community," said Congressman Garbarino.