Proposal: Presidents get option to choose state or federal court

(The Center Square) – Presidents, both present and past, would be added to the list of those with an option to choose state or federal courts if legislation from a North Carolina congressman becomes law.

For 78-year-old Donald Trump and 81-year-old Joe Biden, two who have been in the crosshairs of investigations as they battle in a rematch for the White House, the potential law could be beneficial.

Trump sits in the courtroom during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. Trump sits in the courtroom during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. — Trump sits in the courtroom during his hush money trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on May 30, 2024 in New York City. Getty Images

Trump, the 45th president, began the year with cases in Florida, Georgia, Washington, DC, and New York, and owns a conviction in the latter.

Biden, the embattled incumbent, has been in probes about classified documents and foreign business affairs involving family.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., on Tuesday introduced No More Political Prosecutions Act.

The bill’s text, as of Friday, was not available on the congressional website.

President Joe Biden speaks during an event marking the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program, in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Washington. — President Biden speaks during an event marking the 12th anniversary of the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals program, in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Washington. AP

He said on social media the legislation would “ensure current and former presidents can’t be unfairly targeted by partisan state prosecutors.”

There is protection for federal officials inclusive of Tillis and other members of Congress, and federal agency workers.

Those on the list can move a civil or criminal case from state to federal court. The provision doesn’t include presidents, current or former.

Co-sponsors of the bill with the senior senator of the state are Sens. Ted Budd, R-NC, Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Josh Hawley, R-Mo., Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., and Mike Lee, R-Utah.

The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Graham is the ranking member of 10 from the minority party on that panel, which also includes Tillis, Hawley and Lee. The chairman is Dick Durbin, D-Ill.