California Rep. Adam Schiff (D) introduced a bill on Friday that would prevent sitting presidents from dismissing criminal prosecution against themselves, including through coercion of an attorney general or anyone acting on the president’s behalf.
The Investigative Integrity Protection Act seeks to require a three-judge court hearing before any charges against a president are dropped, according to a release . The legislation would only allow the court to grant a dismissal after considering whether the attorney general was appointed with the intent of dismissing any criminal prosecution against the president.
A Department of Justice inspector general would also be inquired to investigate any inquiries and immediately report findings to Congress under the proposed bill.
“Several years ago, we witnessed alarming attempts by a sitting president to obstruct justice and evade accountability. My bill would prevent a president from interfering in an investigation into, or prosecution of, their own misconduct,” Shiff shared in a statement. “This is a necessary step to ensure that our justice system remains independent and that no individual can place themself beyond its reach.”