An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in forfeiture of assets, further providing for motion for return of property; and imposing duties on the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Bernstine and 7 co-sponsors

The bill standardizes and speeds access to property return by requiring timely notice and a publicly available sample motion, while preserving flexibility in forms courts may accep

Re-committed to Rules

Summary of HB 2273 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Main purpose and intent

The bill amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) to modify procedures related to the forfeiture of assets, specifically focusing on the motion for return of property, and to impose duties on the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC).

Overall goal appears to increase guidance and standardized procedures for individuals seeking the return of property seized by law enforcement, through required notice, forms, and accessibility of resources.

Key provisions and changes

Expanded requirements for motion for return of property (Section 5806)

The bill adds a new subsection (c) requiring prompt notice to aggrieved individuals:
- Within 14 days after seizure, the law enforcement agency must provide:
- (1) A copy of this section (Section 5806).
- (2) A copy of a sample motion for return of property.
The sample motion:
- (i) Must be developed by the AOPC.
- (ii) Must be posted on the publicly accessible website of the AOPC.
- (iii) Must not be the exclusive form accepted by a court of common pleas, allowing other forms to be used.
This creates a standardized starting point for individuals seeking return of seized property and improves access to the process.

Definitions (Section 5806, subsection d)

Clarifies key terms:
- Law enforcement agency: Either the Pennsylvania State Police or a local law enforcement agency.
- Local law enforcement agency: Police departments of cities, boroughs, towns, townships, or campus police.

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts duties

The bill imposes duties on the AOPC related to the development and posting of the sample motion.
Ensures centralized guidance and public availability of standardized documentation to assist claimants.

Effective date

The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Who is affected

Individuals whose property is seized by law enforcement in Pennsylvania, who are seeking the return of that property.

Law enforcement agencies (state and local) who must provide the required documents within 14 days.

Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) which must develop the sample motion and maintain it on its website.

Courts (common pleas), which may accept forms other than the sample motion, preserving procedural flexibility.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Seizure occurs → within 14 days, aggrieved person should receive:

Copy of the statute (Section 5806).
Copy of a sample motion for return of property.

The sample motion:

Created by AOPC.
Posted publicly by AOPC.
Not mandatory as the exclusive form; indicates any reasonable motion will be acceptable by the court.

Effective date: 60 days after enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

Improves accessibility and transparency for individuals seeking return of seized property.

Standardizes initial guidance while preserving flexibility for different pleadings.

Places a procedural burden on law enforcement agencies to provide documents promptly and on the AOPC to maintain the sample motion.

May affect workflow in forfeiture proceedings by ensuring claimants have timely access to resources and forms.

Note: This summary reflects the text and provisions in the introduced bill as of March 9, 2026.