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H 591

An act relating to limiting the circumstances under which an asset is subject to judicial forfeiture

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Rachelson

Restrict judicial forfeiture to post-conviction cases and direct net proceeds from forfeited assets to the Vermont General Fund.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 591

Overview

H.591 (2025-2026) from Vermont proposes to tighten limits on when an asset can be subject to judicial forfeiture. The bill would confine forfeiture proceedings to cases where the underlying criminal offense has resulted in a conviction and would require all proceeds from the sale of forfeited property (after offsets) to be deposited into the General Fund.

Purpose and intent

  • Narrow the use of judicial forfeiture to post-conviction scenarios.
  • Ensure forfeiture proceeds support state finances by directing net proceeds to the General Fund after offsets.

Key provisions and changes

  • Limitation of forfeiture: Judicial forfeiture would be pursued only when the person involved is convicted of the underlying criminal offense.
  • Allocation of proceeds: Proceeds from the sale of assets forfeited under judicial actions would be deposited into the Vermont General Fund after offsets are applied.

Note: The short-form bill text indicates that the detailed statutory language is omitted, but the stated purpose and intent are clear in the bill summary.

Who or what would be affected

  • Individuals or entities whose assets might be subject to judicial forfeiture under current law.
  • State and local prosecutors who pursue forfeiture actions.
  • State General Fund, which would receive net proceeds from forfeited assets.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced by Rep. Barbara Rachelson (Burlington) and referred to the House Committee on Judiciary.
  • First reading and referral occurred on January 7, 2026.
  • No additional committee meeting history is listed in available materials.

Practical impact

  • If enacted, the bill would likely reduce the ability to seek forfeiture in cases without a conviction, potentially limiting the scope of asset seizures in some civil-forfeiture contexts.
  • By directing net proceeds to the General Fund, the measure creates a direct public-finance linkage for forfeiture activity.

Status

  • As introduced, H.591 has been read the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. No further action or amendments are listed in the provided materials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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