COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio is about to become the first state that would allow police to force a blood or urine test on certain people suspected of drunken driving without first getting a warrant.

The bill, which Gov. Ted Strickland is expected to sign later this week, would apply to people who previously have been convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol two or more times.

Under current law, authorities must get a warrant from a judge to test blood or urine for alcohol or drugs on people who don’t initially give their consent.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio says the bill is unconstitutional and expects to challenge the law once it is enforced.

The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Tim Grendell of Chesterland, who says a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court decision ruled that forcing a blood test did not violate constitutional protections against unreasonable seizures and incrimination.

 

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