SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Police checkpoints targeting drunk drivers may be prohibited in Utah.
Republican Rep. David Butterfield of Logan says the checkpoints violate the constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. He also says they are ineffective at catching drunk drivers, and says charges stemming from a checkpoint can be difficult to prosecute.
The House is scheduled to debate Butterfield's House Bill 140 Thursday. The bill would prohibit police checkpoints except for fugitive searches, Amber Alerts, wildlife checks and the prevention of invasive species.
The bill passed a House panel earlier this month despite opposition from law enforcement groups and prosecutors.
Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder says the checkpoints have reduced fatalities from drunk driving, especially in Utah's canyons and rural areas.
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