Bill > S2450

This bill aims to reform the forfeiture laws in Massachusetts. It amends Section 47 of Chapter 94C of the General Laws by striking out and inserting new provisions related to the forfeiture process. The key changes include: 1) Requiring the Commonwealth to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the property is forfeitable, while the property owner has the burden of proving any exceptions; 2) Providing public counsel representation for criminal defendants and indigent property owners at forfeiture hearings; 3) Requiring the final forfeiture order to provide for the deposit of forfeited funds and proceeds in the general fund, rather than special law enforcement trust funds; and 4) Mandating annual reporting on all assets, monies, and proceeds from seized property.