Bill > SF0014

This bill amends Wyoming's Controlled Substances Act to change how property is seized and forfeited, particularly in relation to drug offenses. It clarifies that property can be forfeited as part of a defendant's sentence for certain drug felonies, requiring the state to notify defendants if they are seeking forfeiture and to identify the specific property involved. The bill outlines a process for forfeiture hearings where a judge determines if property is subject to forfeiture, and it establishes procedures for notifying and allowing third parties with potential interests in the property to contest the forfeiture. It also defines "innocent owner" protections, meaning a person's interest in property won't be forfeited if they can prove they didn't know about the illegal activity or acquired the property legitimately without reason to believe it was subject to forfeiture. The bill also details how seized property, including controlled substances, can be handled, including destruction procedures for contraband, and requires law enforcement agencies to report their acceptance, receipt, and disposition of forfeited property or proceeds to the Attorney General, who then reports annually to legislative committees. Finally, it prohibits state law enforcement agencies from accepting forfeited property or proceeds if the offer is conditioned on adopting federal law enforcement practices.