title
CC - ACTION ITEM: (1) Discussion and, if Desired, Recommendation of a City Council Position on SB 747 (Wiener) Civil Rights: Deprivation of Federal Constitutional Rights, Privileges, and Immunities; and (2) Direction to Distribute the City's Position Letter to State Legislators.
body
Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Shelly Wolfberg/City Clerk's Office
Phone Number: (310) 253-6008
Fiscal Impact: Yes [ ] No [X] General Fund: Yes [ ] No [ ]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Office of Senator Scott Wiener; Meetings and Agendas - City Council (04/23/2026)
Department Approval: Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk (04/06/2026)
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction regarding whether to adopt a position on SB 747 (Wiener), and, if desired, authorize the Mayor to transmit a letter reflecting the City Council's position to the California State Legislature.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
At the January 26, 2026 City Council Meeting, Vice Mayor Fish received consensus from Mayor Puza and Council Member McMorrin to consider endorsing SB 747 (Wiener), introduced during the 2025-2026 California Legislative Session. SB 747 would create a state-level legal pathway to sue federal officers (e.g., ICE agents) for violations of constitutional rights such as unlawful searches, excessive force, or false arrest-addressing limits imposed by recent federal court decisions.
The Tom Bane Civil Rights Act permits individuals to pursue legal remedies when someone interferes with their state or federal constitutional rights through threats, intimidation, or coercion. Both the California Attorney General and individuals can file civil lawsuits for injunctions or damages. Cases must be filed in specific county courts, and plaintiffs can receive attorney's fees if successful. Federal law also permits lawsuits...
Click here for full text