Washington County, Va Board approves resolution opposing repealing or changes to qualified immunity

Leaders in Washington County, Va are unanimously supporting a resolution that opposes any legislative changes or the repealing of qualified immunity for law enforcement.

That 7-0 vote was made during the Board of Supervisors monthly meeting earlier this week. Qualified immunity protects police officers and other law enforcement officials from certain types of lawsuits, but lawmakers in the state sought to end the protection during this year’s special session among the backdrop of calls for police and criminal justice reform.

Action by the General Assembly ultimately failed in getting a bill to Gov. Northam’s desk, but law enforcement officials, including Washington County, Va Sheriff Blake Andis are very concerned about its passage as the measure is already being considered for the state’s 2021 session.

The resolution passed says any removal of qualified immunity would do things such as put law enforcement at risk for frivolous lawsuits, and make it more difficult to recruit or retain personnel.