HB 7123 Summary: Legislative Immunity

• Creates section 11.112, F.S., codifying absolute privilege for state legislators and former legislators against compelled testimony or document production in civil actions, judicial proceedings, and executive branch administrative proceedings related to legislative actions and functions.

• Extends absolute privilege to legislative staff members and former legislative staff members to the same extent as legislators when the matter involves duties performed within the scope of their employment.

• Requires legislative staff privilege waivers to be authorized by the legislator or former legislator they represent, or by the presiding officer of their legislative chamber, and mandates that any waiver be explicit and unequivocal in writing.

• Provides that legislative privilege for deceased legislators or former legislators remains in perpetuity at the same status it held at the time of death.

• Does not affect or limit access to public records open to inspection and copying under the State Constitution or section 11.0431.