This bill modifies the criminal civil rights statute that prohibits deprivation of rights under color of law.
Current law prohibits the deprivation of federally protected rights, privileges, or immunities by a government official (including a law enforcement officer).
This bill specifies that use of force during a response to a protest constitutes a deprivation of rights, privileges, or immunities.
Additionally, the bill removes the death penalty as a penalty option if death results or if certain aggravating factors are present.