Rep. Marc Roberts (R)

HB 70 (Forcible Entry Amendments)

Libertas Institute supports this bill.

This bill would better ensure that judges are authorizing forcible entry (home invasions) by police officers when absolutely necessary. Current law is permissive, allowing judges to "rubber stamp" warrant requests. This legislative proposal by Libertas Institute would require judges to follow a state-wide standard to ensure that warrants issued anywhere in Utah for forcible entry follow the same guidelines and are only issued when a judge, serving as a check and watchdog, deems them necessary.

This bill can save lives (both police officers and citizens) and reduce damage to property. Accordingly, we strongly support this amendment to Utah's laws.