SB 298 — Sovereign Immunity Decisions: Allowing for Immediate Appeal

This bill would allow direct appeals for rulings in civil actions that grant or deny sovereign, municipal, official, or qualified immunity to the state, cities, or counties. It would set a 30-day deadline for filing an appeal after an adverse ruling. The language in this bill is very similar to language that passed both chambers in 2019 by overwhelming majorities and is a way to increase the efficiency of litigation and ensure timely decisions on immunity issues. 

As amended by the House Rules Committee, this bill will also allow for direct appeals on rulings in civil and criminal actions granting or denying legislative privilege or legislative immunity, which would appeal would need to be exercised within 30 days of any judgment, order, or ruling.