Bill > HB509

This bill modifies the requirements for the attorney general's annual report on state property forfeitures by significantly expanding the detailed information that must be reported. Under the new provisions, the report must now include comprehensive details about each property seizure, such as the seizing law enforcement agency, date and location of seizure, type and estimated value of property, the alleged criminal offense, the specific charges filed, case numbers, criminal case outcomes, and whether federal law is involved in the forfeiture. The report must also specify details about property disposition, including the value of property returned, sold, destroyed, or retained by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies will be required to provide disaggregated data on seizures, forfeitures, and proceeds expenditures to the attorney general. The bill excludes reporting on contraband items like drugs and drug paraphernalia. The new reporting requirements aim to provide greater transparency about property seizures and forfeitures, with the report to be posted on the Department of Justice website within 120 days after the fiscal year's close. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it does not provide additional funding, the Department of Justice anticipates hiring an investigative paralegal to manage the increased administrative workload, with most of the position's funding coming from federal sources.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0587&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB509