His decision brings an end to the wallet-sized cards that carry a simple but powerful statement of privilege: Under the Minnesota Constitution, lawmakers “in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace, shall be privileged from arrest” while the Legislature is in session.
The cards have raised ire and concern among some who fear they literally put legislators above the law, including getting them out of drunken driving or other arrests. The House voted this session to rescind the card, but a similar measure was tabled in the Senate.
Ritchie said his office watched closely for direction from the Legislature, but when the move stalled, he took action. “I don’t know what the motivation was 40-some years ago when this practice started in the Legislature, but with the debate this year it was the conclusion of everybody that there was no statutory or legislative requirement to do this,” said Ritchie, who is not running for re-election.
