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SD 75

An Act to recover assets used in the commission of sexual offenses

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Tarr

SD 75 authorizes Massachusetts to civilly forfeit assets used to commit sexual offenses, enabling asset recovery for victim restitution but raising due process and definition clarity concerns.

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Bill Summary · SD 75

Legislative bill overview

SD 75 would allow Massachusetts to seize and recover assets that were used in the commission of sexual offenses. The bill establishes a mechanism for the state to pursue civil forfeiture of property directly connected to sexual crimes, similar to asset recovery programs used in drug trafficking and organized crime cases.

Why is this important

Sexual offense victims often face significant financial and psychological harm, yet perpetrators may retain assets used to facilitate their crimes. This bill attempts to create an additional avenue for victim restitution and to remove tools criminals used to commit offenses. Asset recovery could theoretically increase compensation available to survivors beyond traditional criminal penalties.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Civil forfeiture has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue it can violate constitutional protections, particularly when property is seized without criminal conviction or when innocent owners lose assets used by others without their knowledge
  • Definition scope: The bill's language around what constitutes assets "used in" sexual offenses may be unclear—does this include only direct tools (vehicles, properties) or broader categories that could capture legitimate property?
  • Victim privacy and participation: Forfeiture proceedings might require survivors to participate in civil court processes, potentially adding stress to those already traumatized, and raises questions about how seized assets would actually reach victims

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

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