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Hocog: Strip lawmakers of immunity privilege
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Posted on Mar 30 2008
Lawmakers will be open to lawsuit for statements they make in the Legislature if a proposed constitutional amendment becomes law.
Rep. Victor Hocog introduced last week a House legislative initiative that would scrap the immunity that protects lawmakers from being sued for their written or oral statements during session.
Hocog, in his initiative, called for the removal of legislative immunity amid its perceived abuse by certain lawmakers who have used their immunity to commit slander.
“It is widely held that this immunity is central to the operation of a legislature, for full and frank discussions of issues germane to the public welfare are necessary if policies are to be properly studied,” the initiative states.
“It is, however, also assumed that members of the Legislature will act responsibly and with dignity, and will not hide behind the immunity granted to insult constituents. The people of the Commonwealth should not have to wonder which person will be slandered next when the Legislature meets in session,” it adds. [B][I](Agnes E. Donato)[/I][/B]
