A short piece of legislation recently passed by the Arizona legislature makes a big statement.
HB2434 affirms the sheriffs of Arizona as the supreme constitutional law enforcement officers in their counties and serves notice to the federal government that it must work through them to exercise their limited powers.
The bill simply states that:
A. Before taking any official law enforcement action in a county in this state, a federal law enforcement officer shall notify the sheriff of the county, unless the notification would impede the federal officer’s duties.
B. If a federal law enforcement officer does not notify the sheriff pursuant to subsection A. of this section, the federal law enforcement officer shall notify the sheriff of the county as soon as practicable after taking the action.
After the original version of HB2434 dealing with bail bond prohibitions passed the House unanimously last month, the Senate used a maneuver called “strike everything,” which allows lawmakers to substitute a new bill into an existing bill number. The Senate passed the federal law enforcement notification legislation 20-8 on April 4. The House took up the new bill and passed it 38-17 on April 9. The legislation now moves on the Gov. Brewer for her signature.
This bill may appear insignificant, but it does two important things.
First, it serves notice to the federal government that its authorities operate in Arizona with oversight and reaffirms the sovereignty of the state.
Secondly, it puts the county sheriff in the position to protect the rights and liberties of Arizona citizens from federal overreach.
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com ...
