A “Sheriffs First” bill would make it a state crime for any federal agent to make an arrest, search, or seizure within the state without first getting the advanced, written permission of the elected county sheriff of the county in which the event is to take place.
Locally-elected sheriffs are accountable to the people and are supposed to be the chief law enforcement officer of the county, bar none. This bill puts teeth into the expectation that federal agents must operate with the approval of the sheriff, or not at all.
It also gives the local sheriff tools necessary to protect the rights of the people of his county. There are exceptions in the legislation for “hot pursuit”, U.S. customs and border patrol, corrupt sheriffs, and more. (see SheriffsFirst.com)
Legend: Blue – Introduced. Yellow – Passed one or more houses.
Red – Became Law. Purple – Failed Vote. White – Nothing Introduced.
2012 Legislation (scroll down for previous session activity)
2011 Legislation