Recently, Minnesota AG Lori Swanson issued a statement explaining that she did not believe the law would allow lawmakers to escape arrest for drunk driving or any other modern crimes. Swanson issued her opinion after receiving a formal request from Senator Ron Latz, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Swanson said that the law would not justify letting a legislator out of a drunk driving arrest, regardless of whether the legislature was currently in session or not. Swanson says that she thinks public education would be a good step for lawmakers rather than a special law erasing the provision. Swanson says the legislature should give a more complete explanation of the matter to the public and law enforcement officers, clarifying that there is no actual immunity from arrest for lawmakers, including for DWIs.
Another recommendation from State Senator Latz is to throw out the cards given to lawmakers, something that helps contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the issue. Also, Latz has said that all incoming and veteran lawmakers should be told clearly that there is no immunity from arrest for criminal activity. Making sure that lawmakers and law enforcement authorities are on the same page should reduce confusion regarding the issue and hopefully assure the public that the people writing the laws are held to the same standard as everyone else.
Source: “Attorney General Swanson: Legislators’ immunity won’t stop DWIs,” by Abby Simons, published at StarTribune.com.