SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah Legislature has passed a bill banning oversight powers for independent civilian boards established to review police departments.
The Utah Senate and House approved the bill Monday despite one of its sponsors saying it would not change current state procedures.
Republican Sen. Don Ipson says HB415 is a “pre-emptive thing” against the rise of “anti-law enforcement activist” groups in Salt Lake City.
The bill says independent civilian groups could meet to discuss police policy but would not have authority over police chief decisions or department procedures.
The bill is in response to a proposal by the group Utah Against Police Brutality for an elected board with veto powers over the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Opponents say the legislation prevents community action in response to police violence.
