Legislative immunity: Proposed bill could change Arizona's constitution
PHOENIX - If passed, a new bill would amend the Arizona constitution, putting an end to lawmakers getting breaks on speeding tickets.
We're learning more about how this bill, HCR 2053, would remove some privileges awarded to our elected officials.
What they're saying:
Arizona Rep. Quang Nguyen, a Republican who represents the Prescott area, wants to amend Arizona's constitution.
On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the judiciary committee passed a bill to end legislative immunity for traffic violations.
"I represent people. Why is there an exception for me when I speed or make an illegal left turn," Rep. Nguyen said.
Currently, lawmakers are immune from civil traffic violations while the legislature is in session. This bill would change that.
"I think it's common sense," Rep. Nguyen said. "We need to represent the people and live under the same laws."
Rep. Nguyen says this is a common sense move and not in response to recent examples of legislative immunity.
Arizona state lawmaker Jake Hoffman avoids speeding ticket due to legislative immunity
Arizona legislators are avoiding speeding tickets due to constitutional immunity, sparking debate on accountability and if the rule should remain in place.
Dig deeper:
Section 6 of Arizona's constitution reads, "Members of the legislature shall be privileged from arrest in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, and they shall not be subject to any civil process during the session of the legislature, nor for fifteen days next before the commencement of each session."
In January, an Arizona DPS Trooper pulled over Arizona State Senator Jake Hoffman for allegedly speeding on U.S. 60.
DPS said the trooper recognized Hoffman and didn’t give him a ticket, which is in accordance with the Arizona constitution.
Also, last month, Rep. Mark Finchem invoked his legislative immunity to get out of a speeding ticket near Prescott.
Rep. Nguyen feels legislative immunity for traffic violations is misused.
"I represent LD-1. 250,000 people. I should be able to live like them and not above the law," he said.
If passed by the full legislature, the bill would go to the ballot in 2026 for voters to decide.
"I think this is going to be overwhelmingly supported by the public," Rep. Nguyen said.