Kennedy Driving Situation on Capitol Hill Prompts Discussion at Missouri Capitol

Questions about treatment of U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy after police in Washington, D.C., believe he might have been driving under the influence have prompted the chief of Missouri’s Capitol Police to review procedures they follow when lawmakers try to invoke legislative privilege. The privilege keeps lawmakers from being arrested for an infraction if they are on the way to the Legislature – much like the privilege U.S. Congressmen enjoy. Chief Todd Hurt says while lawmakers might not be arrested for traffic violations, they would still receive a ticket. And, Hurt points out that a serious violation such as driving-while-intoxicated is considered a breech of the peace – and lawmakers will be arrested for breeching the peace. He says he’ll be reviewing procedures with his folks to make sure they’re doing the right thing.