Bill
H 1774
Overview: H 1774, An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture improvements, is scheduled for a hearing on 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2. The bill was introduced on Februar
Overview: H 1774, An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture improvements, is scheduled for a hearing on 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The main goal of this bill is to reform the state's civil asset forfeiture laws, which allow law enforcement to seize and keep property even without a criminal conviction. The bill aims to increase protections for property owners and ensure due process.
Key Provisions:
- Requires a criminal conviction before property can be forfeited, with limited exceptions
- Shifts the burden of proof to the government to show by clear and convincing evidence that the property is subject to forfeiture
- Provides property owners the right to a prompt post-seizure hearing to contest the seizure
- Requires the government to pay the reasonable attorney's fees of property owners who substantially prevail in a forfeiture proceeding
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would primarily affect law enforcement agencies and individuals whose property has been seized through civil asset forfeiture. It aims to protect the rights of property owners and ensure that forfeiture is only used in cases where criminal activity has been proven.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill is currently scheduled for a hearing on 05/06/2025. If passed, the new civil asset forfeiture requirements would go into effect 90 days after the bill is signed into law.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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