Bill > SB0481

This bill amends Tennessee's laws regarding property forfeiture by removing requirements for individuals to post a bond when filing claims to seized property. Specifically, the bill eliminates two provisions in Tennessee Code Annotated related to forfeiture proceedings: first, it deletes subsection (b) from Section 40-33-206, and second, it removes the phrase "cost bond or" from Section 40-33-205(a). These changes effectively reduce financial barriers for individuals seeking to contest the seizure of their property by eliminating the mandatory bond requirement. Previously, property owners would have been required to post a financial bond to initiate a legal challenge to property seizure, which could have been a significant obstacle for those with limited financial resources. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to property seizures occurring on or after that date, giving potential claimants more accessible legal recourse in forfeiture cases.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0481&ga=114