Bill > H1990

This bill amends an existing Massachusetts law to enhance transparency around civil asset forfeiture, which is a legal process that allows law enforcement to seize property suspected of being connected to criminal activity. Specifically, the bill requires the attorney general, each district attorney, and every police department to submit an annual report by January 31st detailing all assets, money, and proceeds from asset sales that were seized under the current law. These reports must provide a detailed, itemized accounting for each seizure and forfeiture, and will be considered public records. The reports must be submitted to the executive office for administration and finance, the senate and house committees on ways and means, and the joint committee on the judiciary. The goal of this legislation appears to be increasing accountability and providing more comprehensive information about how law enforcement agencies use civil asset forfeiture, which has been a controversial legal tool that allows property to be seized even if the owner is not convicted of a crime.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1990