SB845: Local officials; shall not be questioned on any legislative speech, etc., without leave of court.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 8.01-223.3 as follows:
§ 8.01-223.3. Legislative speech or debate of local elected officials.
An elected member of a local governing body shall not be compelled by law to be questioned on any speech or debate engaged in by the elected member during the exercise of his legislative powers without leave of court. However, the provisions of this section shall not restrict the power of the local governing body to regulate the conduct of its members.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 8.01-223.3 as follows:
§ 8.01-223.3. Speech or debate immunity for local officials.
An elected or appointed official of a local or regional public body with legislative powers shall be immune from civil liability or criminal prosecution for any speech or debate engaged in by the official during the exercise of such legislative powers, and shall not be compelled by law to be questioned on such speech or debate in any other place without leave of court. However, the provisions of this section shall not restrict the power of the public body to regulate the conduct of its members.