summary
Introduced
02/14/2019
02/14/2019
In Committee
02/14/2019
02/14/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to amend title 18, United States Code, with respect to civil forfeitures relating to certain seized animals, and for other purposes. This bill modifies notice requirements in a civil forfeiture proceeding that involves the seizure of an animal involved in animal fighting. Specifically, the government must notify interested parties of an animal's seizure within 30 days (currently, 60 days). The notice period may be extended only if a delay is warranted after considering certain factors, including the cost to the government of providing shelter for the animal, the health of the animal and the effect of a delay on its rehabilitation, and any increased risk that a delay could necessitate the euthanasia of the animal. Additionally, the bill authorizes amounts in the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund to be used to pay for costs associated with a seized animal, including transportation, shelter, care, veterinary services, and humane euthanasia.
AI Summary
This bill, the Help Extract Animals from Red Tape Act of 2019 or the HEART Act of 2019, amends federal law to reduce the notice period for civil forfeiture proceedings involving animals seized under the Animal Welfare Act or for animal fighting offenses from 60 days to 30 days. The notice period can only be extended after considering factors such as the cost of caring for the animal, the animal's health and rehabilitation, and the risk of euthanasia. Additionally, the bill authorizes the Department of Justice's Assets Forfeiture Fund to be used to pay for costs associated with seized animals, including transportation, shelter, care, veterinary services, and humane euthanasia. The bill also requires claimants to reimburse the government for these costs in successful forfeiture proceedings, subject to certain reductions based on the seriousness of the offense, the claimant's culpability and financial condition, and the purpose of the forfeiture statute.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (8)
Kamala Harris (D)*,
Cory Booker (D),
Susan Collins (R),
Chris Coons (D),
Dianne Feinstein (D),
Martha McSally (R),
Jeff Merkley (D),
Kyrsten Sinema (I),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 02/14/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/513/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s513/BILLS-116s513is.pdf |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s513/BILLS-116s513is.pdf.pdf |
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