Pass a bill (or include in a broader police reform package) that outright ends or strictly limits qualified immunity for law enforcement.
Move qualified-immunity reform from an idea to votes in Congress by organizing a clear legislative ask and a cross-ideological coalition that can carry it. Focus on targeted committee and leadership pressure, testimony, and constituent-facing messaging that makes accountability politically safer. Do it now while public support and recent reform efforts still create a workable window.
Why this works
- Would apply nationally and create uniform accountability; aligns with majority public opinion.
Public Citizen
AdvocacyChampioning consumer rights and accountable government
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Public Citizen uses funding
- Define a specific legislative objective (bill language, amendment, or package inclusion) and the path to a vote.
- Build a coalition that can give lawmakers cover, including unusual allies noted in the cause.
- Meet with lawmakers and staff, submit briefs, and coordinate testimony tied to the targeted bill.
- Track amendments, committee movement, and vote timing; surge outreach when decision windows open.
- Close the loop after votes with a public update and the next legislative plan.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Legislative vehicle + coalition brief locked
0–30 daysBill language and a shared message brief are finalized with partner alignment.
- 2
Committee strategy executed
1–3 monthsTarget offices receive coordinated briefings, testimony support, and a vote path plan.
- 3
First major procedural gate cleared
3–6 monthsThe measure advances via committee action or inclusion in a broader package.
- 4
Floor decision + next-step plan
6–12 monthsA floor vote or clear scheduling decision occurs and the coalition publishes a post-vote strategy.