Bill
Bill > H0592
VT H0592
VT H0592An act relating to the appointment of legal counsel and record keeping in civil forfeiture actions
summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Session
Bill Summary
This bill proposes to mandate the assignment of a public defender for needy persons in certain civil forfeiture proceedings. The bill would also provide for notice of the right to legal counsel in such proceedings, along with mandates for law enforcement and adjudicators to maintain records of forfeited property.
AI Summary
This bill mandates the assignment of legal counsel, specifically a public defender, for individuals who cannot afford an attorney in certain civil forfeiture proceedings, which are legal actions where property is seized by the government because it is suspected of being involved in criminal activity. It also requires that individuals involved in these proceedings be informed of their right to legal representation. Furthermore, the bill requires law enforcement agencies and other state departments involved in the forfeiture process to maintain detailed records of all forfeited property, including its origin, description, value, and how it was disposed of, and these records must be submitted to the court and be available for inspection by relevant agencies.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary (on 01/07/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.592 |
| BillText | https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2026/Docs/BILLS/H-0592/H-0592%20As%20Introduced.pdf |
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