By Howard Fischer | Capitol Media Services per Arizona Capitol Times
A proposal by Gov. Doug Ducey to abolish so-called legislative immunity is getting some negative reaction from some lawmakers who enjoy its protections — and would have to vote to put it on the ballot for voters to repeal.
“It was put here for a reason, by the people, in the constitution,” said House Speaker Rusty Bowers.
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House Minority Leader Charlene Fernandez said there are legitimate reasons that lawmakers need protections from being arrested in certain circumstances.
Rep. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, said the few lawmakers who have abused the immunity have paid the price.
And Sen. Lela Alston, D-Phoenix, who has been at the Capitol longer than anyone else, said Ducey’s call to repeal the provision reflects a misunderstanding of exactly what it says — a misunderstanding she said is apparently shared by some legislators who have tried to claim it.
“They think they have carte blanche to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted,” Alston said.
