Florida Senate Leader Opposes Immunity for Lawmakers

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The incoming Senate president is opposing a proposal that would allow state lawmakers to wrap themselves in absolute immunity from having to testify in lawsuits.

The House Judiciary Committee cleared a Republican bill (PCB JDC 12-03) along party lines last week that would give a “legislative privilege” to all current and former lawmakers and their staff.

But Sen. Don Gaetz said that he would not support the bill in the Senate. The Niceville Republican is set to replace Mike Haridopolos next year as head of that chamber.

Gaetz sent a memo to all senators in which he said there’s already “sufficient and substantial legal protection against intrusive deposition of legislators in matters of public policy.”

After the Senate leader’s announcement that he would not support the bill, House leadership killed the proposal.

Democrats said the measure really is about shielding Republican motives behind redistricting.