The bill would let some U.S. citizens sue government officials over schemes to deprive citizens of honest services. A plaintiff must have been a constituent of the official or lived in the official’s jurisdiction during the alleged scheme. The plaintiff cannot be a candidate for elected office or act with support from a candidate or campaign. The case would first be filed under seal, and the government would have time to bring a criminal case. If a defendant is found liable, the court would award damages, including three times the value of any bribe solicited or accepted.
A citizen who meets the bill’s requirements could bring a case in federal court, but cannot represent themselves without a lawyer. The case must be filed within one year after the citizen discovers or should have discovered the alleged scheme, and no later than the criminal filing deadline. Courts could not use this action to block an official act.
A liable defendant would pay awarded damages and reasonable legal fees and costs. The bill does not provide a public estimate of costs to carry it out.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.