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House passes data-collection bill on traffic stops after heated debate over racial profiling
Summary
Lawmakers approved the third substitute to House Bill 106, requiring standardized collection of traffic-stop data to study racial disparities; supporters argued it will restore confidence and provide evidence, while some raised implementation and narrowness concerns about focusing on race.
The Utah House voted to pass the third substitute to House Bill 106 on Feb. 24, adopting a statewide framework for collecting traffic-stop statistics intended to detect and prevent racial profiling.
Sponsor Representative Dwayne E. Bordeaux framed the bill as a necessary step to restore trust between communities and law enforcement: "We have to restore the trust between community and police in every community in America," he said, emphasizing a requirement that law enforcement agencies adopt written policies prohibiting stops motivated solely by race, color or ethnicity.
Debate was lengthy and at times tense. Opponents and cautious members warned that collecting race as the primary tracked element could skew analyses or miss broader profiling factors; Representative Hickman said he worried that focusing on race alone might create a database that "concentrates on one area of many elements of a general profile." Proponents, including Representative Chard and Representative Baca, argued that existing practices vary across agencies and that a standardized, phased collection tied to driver's license turnover would produce a reliable sample: sponsor testimony said the rollout would reach 25% coverage in the first year, 50% the second, 75% the third and 100% in the fourth.
Law enforcement speakers noted that many agencies already have policies against racial profiling and investigate complaints, but supporters said some agencies lack consistent procedures and a standardized form and database would allow objective review.
After debate and summations, the House recorded a vote of 66 yes, 6 no and 3 absent; HB106 passed and will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.
The statute would require the Division of Driver License to add a coded race field on driving credentials over a phased rollover and the commission to develop forms for officers and for public complaints. Supporters said the bill is a first step toward data-driven reforms and accountability; critics urged broader profiling metrics and cautioned on implementation burdens.
Next steps: the measure advances to the Senate; implementation details and fiscal notes for updating databases were discussed on the floor.
