1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support and pass a Universal Constitutional Remedies Act in our state. This legislation would establish a state-level cause of action allowing citizens to pursue damages against federal officials who violate their constitutional rights. Currently, Americans face significant barriers when seeking legal recourse against federal agents who commit constitutional violations. Unless the federal government itself chooses to act, citizens are effectively blocked from suing federal officials for damages, even in cases involving serious misconduct such as unlawful killings, assaults, and disappearances. This system creates a dangerous environment of impunity that concerns people across the political spectrum. Several states have already implemented similar legislation, often referred to as a converse 1983 remedy. These laws provide a critical accountability mechanism by allowing individuals to pursue state-level legal action when their constitutional rights are violated by federal employees. This approach respects both state sovereignty and individual rights while filling a crucial gap in our current legal framework. The need for this legislation is urgent. Federal agents continue to operate with insufficient accountability, and constituents deserve meaningful legal recourse when their constitutional rights are violated. Members of both major political parties have recognized that the current system of impunity poses serious risks to civil liberties and the rule of law. I respectfully request that you introduce or co-sponsor Universal Constitutional Remedies Act legislation in our state as soon as possible. This law would empower your constituents to seek justice when wronged by federal officials, ensuring that no government employee operates above the law. By establishing this state-level remedy, you would provide a vital protection for the constitutional rights of everyone in our state while strengthening accountability in government.