Capitol Media Services
PHOENIX The Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to decide the scope of immunity provided to state lawmakers.
Without comment the justices on Wednesday agreed to hear arguments by former House Speaker J.D. Mesnard that he cannot be sued by ousted state Rep. Don Shooter because he released an investigative report nearly three years ago concluding that the Yuma Republican was guilty of sexual harassment of others. Mesnard claims that falls within the sphere of legitimate legislative activity which generally immunizes legislators from legal action.
The court also has agreed to decide whether that sphere covers the separate decision by Mesnard, now a state senator representing Chandler, to issue a press release explaining his actions.