HELENA – A measure that would make local sheriffs the law of the land by requiring federal agents to get sheriffs’ permission before regulating federal mandates has failed to pass its final vote in the House.
The House initially approved House Bill 303 in a 51-49 vote last week but rejected the measure Monday in a third and final vote of 53-47.
The measure would have required federal agents to obtain the sheriff’s permission before carrying out local arrests and searching and seizing property.
The bill would have also allowed for the prosecution of federal employees who failed to comply with the measure.
The measure would have been presented to voters on a 2014 ballot if it had passed.