BUNDGAARD-INSPIRED INITIATIVE FILED

posted by Andrea Kelly

Voters may be asked to scale back the amount of protection legislators have from prosecution during the legislative session. A statewide initiative was filed this week, and the sponsor needs 259,213 signatures by next July to get it on the ballot.

The proposal would allow legislators to avoid arrest during the legislative session, but it would remove the provision that they also can avoid civil prosecution during the session.

The sponsor is Frank G. Nelson, of Leupp, Ariz., east of Flagstaff.

Here's Nelson's description of the initiative: "This would prohibit politicians from hiding behind immunity laws in regards to DUI's, domestic violence, postponing tax issues with the IRS, etc. They will be held to the same judicial standards as their constituents. This would require politicians to obey the laws outside the legislature and carry out their duties for the public good, not for their own private indulgences."

Last session, Sen. Scott Bundgaard was involved in an incident for which he reportedly requested legislative immunity. Bundgaard and his girlfriend at the time were allegedly arguing and physically fighting on the side of a freeway in the Phoenix area. Passers-by saw the incident and called police. Police reports indicated Bundgaard requested legislative immunity at the time, though he denied that.

Earlier this month, he pleaded no contest to the charges. The Senate ethics committee is considering an investigation into the incident.