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Senate advances SJR 13 after hours of testimony and debate on Utah exclusionary rule
Summary
The Utah Senate advanced SJR 13 to the third‑reading calendar after testimony from legal experts and county prosecutors urging a constitutional amendment to limit the state exclusionary rule; the floor debate split on whether the change would reduce protections for state citizens.
Senators voted to advance Senate Joint Resolution 13 to third reading after extended floor debate and expert testimony over whether Utah should curtail the state exclusionary rule and align state search‑and‑seizure law more closely with federal standards. Sponsor Senator Brent Richards said the amendment would prevent courts from excluding valid evidence under Article I, Section 14 of the Utah Constitution when federal law permits its use.
The Senate heard a panel of witnesses that included a law professor introduced by the sponsor, and county prosecutors who urged support. Professor Cassell…
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