Ends civil forfeitures and replaces the process with criminal forfeitures, so property and charges are handled together, rather than requiring people to file a separate civil action and hire a civil attorney to get their stuff back.

  • Requires a criminal conviction before the government can take ownership of seized property and sell it off.
  • Requires that profits from any seized items sold go into the state general fund, rather than into law enforcement budgets, ending the incentive to "police for profit."
  • Allows defendants to challenge a seizure if the property or asset is worth more than the charged offense.
  • Allows the owners of property who are not involved in the charges to more easily reclaim their seized property.

 

Sponsors

Lesch, Mariani, Scott, Lucero, Long, Dehn, Robbins, Bahr, Noor, Liebling

Status

Active

Session

91st Legislature (2019 - 2020)

Bill number

Position

Support