BISMARCK (KFGO-AM) - The North Dakota House shot down a bill to eliminate sobriety checkpoints.
Law enforcement and the families of those killed by drunk drivers testified earlier against the measure in a committee hearing. But prime sponsor Representative Rick Becker of Bismarck said the checkpoints are "ineffective" in catching drunk drivers. He says studies back up his argument that DUI saturation patrols are the best use of resources:
Law enforcement said the bill was so broad it would have interfered with their ability to do safety checks and make traffic stops during statewide alerts for kidnappers or dangerous fugitives. The bill failed 34 to 59.