It's time, he argued, for Oregonians to vote on the matter.

The House Rules Committee held its first public hearing on a proposal that could go on the November 2012 ballot asking voters to amend the constitution to allow sobriety checkpoints.

But, as Monday's hearing pointed out, there are polls and then there is a long history of debate about maintaining constitutionally guaranteed liberties, including not allowing search and seizure by police without probable cause.

"We should not be so quick to put these rights up to a popular vote," said Andrea Meyer, legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon.

More than 30 states and the District of Columbia allow police to conduct sobriety checkpoints, where drivers are stopped for questioning and even roadside tests. Neighboring California and Nevada have them. Idaho and Washington do not.

On Monday, Oregon lawmakers heard from police and sheriffs, who said they would like to have the option.
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