House panel OK’s shielding lawmakers from having to testify
by John Kennedy | February 16th, 2012A late-emerging measure that would shield legislators from having to testify or turn over public records in lawsuits cleared the House Judiciary Committee in a partyline vote Thursday.
Democrats ripped the wide-ranging immunity bill as designed to obstruct lawsuits involving Republican lawmakers and their efforts to redraw House, Senate and congressional district boundaries.
“Anyone who votes for this bill is thinking they will have something to hide and have to shield themselves,” said Rep. Elaine Schwartz, D-Hollywood.
But the Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, whose civil justice subcommittee advanced the proposal (PCB 12-03) said the immunity bill has nothing to do with redistricting. Instead, Metz said he is looking to broaden a legal protection granted legislators by courts in a case-by-case basis.
He said it was wrong that legislators could be dragged into court to testify about their “legislative functions and duties.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, said the immunity is a “defense against gamesmanship and bullying.”
Labor unions have sued legislators over new teacher standards, retirement system payroll contributions, and election law changes in the past year. In an attempt to sway a judge or jury, these unions’ legal strategy could include getting lawmakers to testify about their ”intent” in approving laws. Testimony also could reveal any contact the Legislature’s ruling Republicans may have with national leaders or outside organizations.
In redistricting, which is expected to be a lengthy legal siege, the motives of lawmakers crafting new maps, could prove pivotal. But Metz’ proposal would keep lawmakers off the witness stand.
“If Republicans truly believed their maps would withstand court muster they wouldn’t be so concerned about ensuring immunity and avoiding questions,” Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith said after Thursday’s vote by the Judiciary Committee.
Tags: Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith, immunity, Rep. Elaine Schwartz, Rep. Larry Metz
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February 16th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
You’re reporting the same lie that the Sentinel/Sun-Sentinel is. The vote wasn’t a party line vote. You should correct the record immediately.
February 16th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
THE VOTE WAS A PARTY LINE VOTE!
February 16th, 2012 at 10:52 pm
WHAT A ROTTEN BUNCH OF DIRTY POLITICIANS! THESE REPUBLICANS HAVE NO SHAME!!!
February 17th, 2012 at 8:47 am
Leading the self-serving charge to put themselves above the law is Rep WILLIAM D. SNYDER, a republican representing Northern PBC, Martin, and St Lucie counties. Snyder is also the Chairman of the fl House Judiciary Committee. Ex-Cop…resident of Stuart. Vote this Gobshyte out.
IF THE PB POST WON’T DO IT, IT’S TIME TO PUBLICALLY EXPOSE ALL THE NAMES OF ANY POLITICIANS INVOLVED IN SELF-SERVING LEGISLATION OR SHADY DEALS. INCLUDING DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS, OR INDEPENDENTS.
February 17th, 2012 at 9:24 am
Tsk-tsk. Once again we see “The Establishment” career politicians trying to hold themselves UN-accountable to Us The People.
What are they so afraid of? Is it possible that some hidden truths have been unearthed?
We The People need to hold these self-serving career politicians ACCOUNTABLE at the next election.
Vote Tea Party! End the reign of “The Establishment” politicians!
.. And Citizen’s Insurance must go, or at least stop the endless taxes and assessments on the rest of us!!
February 17th, 2012 at 10:31 am
No it wasn’t OBIWAN. Rep. Julien is a Democrat and made an impassioned speech in favor of the bill then voted for it. Funny the Post didn’t mention that and chose instead to misrepresent the vote.
February 17th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
F*** THE FASCIST REPUBLICAN REGIME!!!!!
IT WILL CRUMBLE.
We must organize to kick the GOP out at the state level in the upcoming elections.
They’re ALL up for a vote.
So let’s BRING IT, Florida.
VOTE DEMOCRAT AT THE STATE LEVEL!!!
The Republican Party of Florida has FAILED US for the LAST TIME.
February 17th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Too bad we aren’t allowed to just punch these clowns in the face.
February 17th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Jupiter Guy,
Save your anger for election day.
Then take it out on the GOP at the voting booth.
We’re going to annihilate the fascist bastards.