Legal experts say the privilege is a form of separation of powers. It originated centuries ago in the English Bill of Rights as monarchs tried to intimidate legislators and it’s been invoked over the years in a variety of situations, not always with success.
In 2019, a politician in West Virginia invoked immunity after having a violent outburst. In 2022, a Wisconsin lawmaker argued he didn’t have to comply with a subpoena ordering him to testify about a conversation he had with President Donald Trump about overturning the 2020 election. And last year, it shielded Kansas lawmakers who shared social media posts that falsely accused a man of being among those who opened fire at a rally celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.
In Arizona, the perk doesn’t have unanimous support in the Legislature. Republican Rep. Quang Nguyen has introduced a resolution to end immunity for traffic violations. If passed, it would become a ballot measure for voters to decide in 2026.
Other comments in this thread reflect a lack of appreciation for the prior system. Once upon a time the king’s men could arrest legislators unfavorable to him to bar unfavorable legislation. Today we have legislation barring the arrest of representatives while the house is in session.
So arrest them after the session ends? You can’t give people perpetual immunity to everything or they’ll just break all the laws.
They used to be incentivised not to by the prospect of losing votes.
Before the dark times. Before the Empire
Its 2025… Just let them vote from jail.
Yeah that’s how it works.
Chesterton’s fence applies here.