Montana revives proposal to make sheriffs top cops

MATT VOLZ,Associated Press

HELENA — A Montana senator has revived legislation that would make sheriffs the supreme authorities in their counties.

The bill by Republican Sen. Greg Hinkle of Thompson Falls would require federal agents to get written permission from a sheriff before they could conduct a search, seizure or arrest in that sheriff's jurisdiction.

A similar bill was vetoed by Republican Gov. Marc Racicot in 1995.

At Friday's hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, dozens of people waited in line to condemn the government or to say their rights are being chipped away.

But law enforcement representatives spoke against Senate Bill 114. They called it a misguided, politically motivated bill that could harm criminal investigations and interagency cooperation.

The committee did not take any action on Friday.

HELENA — A Montana senator has revived legislation that would make sheriffs the supreme authorities in their counties.

The bill by Republican Sen. Greg Hinkle of Thompson Falls would require federal agents to get written permission from a sheriff before they could conduct a search, seizure or arrest in that sheriff's jurisdiction.

A similar bill was vetoed by Republican Gov. Marc Racicot in 1995.

At Friday's hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, dozens of people waited in line to condemn the government or to say their rights are being chipped away.

But law enforcement representatives spoke against Senate Bill 114. They called it a misguided, politically motivated bill that could harm criminal investigations and interagency cooperation.

The committee did not take any action on Friday.