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HD 3218

An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carlos González and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill mandates law enforcement agencies report detailed civil asset forfeiture data annually, requiring transparency on seized property values, charges, outcomes, and demographics.

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Bill Summary · HD 3218

Legislative bill overview

HD 3218 requires law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts to collect, maintain, and publicly report detailed data on civil asset forfeitures, including the value of seized property, whether criminal charges were filed, case outcomes, and demographic information about affected parties. The bill mandates annual reporting to the state legislature and creates transparency mechanisms for tracking how forfeiture proceeds are used by agencies.

Why is this important

Civil asset forfeiture allows police to seize property suspected of involvement in crime without necessarily convicting—or even charging—the owner. This creates accountability gaps and potential for abuse, particularly in lower-income communities. Transparency requirements enable legislators, advocates, and the public to identify patterns and evaluate whether current forfeiture practices serve justice or generate revenue inappropriately.

Potential points of contention

  • Law enforcement burden: Police departments may argue that detailed data collection creates administrative costs and diverts resources from investigations
  • Prosecution concerns: District attorneys might contend that publicizing forfeiture patterns could reveal investigative strategies or compromise ongoing cases
  • Broader policy disagreement: Stakeholders fundamentally disagree on whether civil forfeiture itself is justified; some view transparency as insufficient without restricting the practice, while law enforcement sees it as essential tool for disrupting criminal enterprises

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

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