Bill > H5363

This bill modifies Rhode Island's civil asset forfeiture laws for controlled substances violations by prohibiting the seizure of property until a criminal conviction is obtained. Specifically, the bill changes existing law to prevent law enforcement from seizing assets related to drug offenses without first securing a criminal conviction against the property owner. Under the new provisions, property can only be forfeited after a criminal trial results in a guilty verdict, which provides additional protection for property owners who may have been unknowingly involved in or unaware of criminal activity. The bill eliminates previous provisions that allowed for administrative and judicial forfeiture proceedings without a criminal conviction, effectively raising the standard of proof required to permanently seize someone's property. By requiring a criminal conviction, the bill aims to prevent potential abuses of civil asset forfeiture and ensure that property owners' due process rights are protected. The legislation will take effect immediately upon passage, signaling the state's intent to implement these new restrictions on asset seizure promptly.

Justice

https://status.rilegislature.gov/