Attorneys contend that the Arizona House of Representatives has the right to investigate charges of sexual harassment against Rep. Don Shooter even though the Yuma Republican was not member of that chamber at the time of the alleged incidents.
Shooter, who was a state senator at the time, has been accused of harassment by Rep. Michelle Ugenti-Rita. Other women, including Reps. Athena Salman and Winona Benally, have also filed complaints.
Attorney Paul Bender, who teaches constitutional law at Arizona State University, tells Capitol Media Services even though it was in a different chamber, Shooter can still be disciplined by the House.
But Bender said Shooter won’t necessarily be removed from his seat.
"I suppose there might be an argument that because of what he did, he's somehow disqualified from serving. But I don't know what that argument would be," said Bender.
Senate President Steve Yarbrough said his chamber lost any jurisdiction over Shooter after he moved to the House at the beginning of this year. That would leave only the House with any ability to sanction him if they find him guilty.
House Speaker J.D. Mesnard has appointed seven staffers to an investigative team to look into the charges