The issue focused on police enforcement of federal court rulings and civil rights laws. Lawmakers said law enforcement officials would have legal standing to sue for damages in criminal courts.

It was not immediately clear what legislation was likely to be passed. Attorney General Eric Holder has yet to discuss the Justice Department's lawsuit.

On Tuesday, lawyers for prosecutors took legal action against seven communities that police police used as political bases during police investigations. They include police officers at University Park, police officers at police headquarters in Fort Worth