Senate approves limits on ‘‘no‑knock’’ entries in search‑and‑seizure bill

Senators on Feb. 4 passed Senate Bill 48, which revises Utah’s forcible‑entry statute to restrict warrantless “no‑knock” entries by law enforcement and align state law with recent U.S. Supreme Court precedent. Senator Thomas, the bill’s sponsor, told the chamber the measure ‘‘puts limitations on [no‑knock] entries’’ and limits them to situations with the owner’s consent or ‘‘exigent circumstances.’’

The bill was formally uncircled for immediate consideration and moved for passage. After a roll‑call vote, the president announced the measure had received recorded affirmative votes and would be transmitted to the House for further consideration. The transcript records the final vote announced on the floor as 22 aye votes and no recorded nay votes.

Supporters framed the change as a necessary correction to bring Utah law into constitutional compliance. Thomas said the existing statute ‘‘in its current form is presently unconstitutional’’ and described the bill as restoring legal limits consistent with federal court decisions. There were no sustained floor objections and no amendments adopted during the floor consideration.

The action now sends the bill to the House, where additional consideration is required before it could become law. No implementation dates or effective‑date language were discussed on the floor during today's consideration.