CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Today the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit heard Cushing et al vs. Packard, a case seeking remote access to legislative activities for legislators seeking to maintain their safety in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lead plaintiff in the case and House Democratic Leader, Rep. Renny Cushing (D-Hampton), released the following statement in reaction to the oral argument:
“The continued insistence of the Speaker and his legal counsel on absolute legislative immunity illustrates once again the cavalier attitude demonstrated by him and members of his caucus to the threat posed by COVID-19. We are optimistic that the court will give us an opportunity to litigate these matters on remand, and we are confident that the Speaker’s overly broad position, putting members at risk, will be repudiated.”