House passes Senate’s warrentless Searches Bill

February 3, 2010 by senatormcconnell

South Carolina legislators have tweaked a bill allowing officers to conduct warrantless searches by requiring them to first verify the person is on probation or parole.

The House Judiciary Committee approved the measure on Tuesday that allows officers to bypass going to a judge for a warrant before searching people on probation or parole. They can search the person, the vehicle the person owns or is driving, and any possessions, such as a purse.

Democratic Rep. Todd Rutherford of Columbia said verification was needed to prevent officers from searching anyone they wanted, using the excuse they thought he was on probation.

The measure would also require officers to report they’ve searched someone, or face a one-day suspension.

The bill moves to the House floor. The Senate approved it last year.

The State

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