Bill > HB1345

This bill establishes a process for administrative forfeiture, meaning the government can seize and take ownership of certain seized items without a court order, for violations of Mississippi's laws regarding cigarettes and ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) products. Specifically, if cigarettes or ENDS products valued at $20,000 or less are seized for breaking state directory laws, the seizing agency can initiate administrative forfeiture. This involves notifying the owner of the property or, if that's not possible, publishing notice in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. The notice will detail the seized property, its approximate value, the seizure date and location, and instructions on how to request a court review within 30 days. If no one contests the forfeiture by filing a petition in county or circuit court, the property will be declared forfeited and disposed of according to law, with the costs of seizure and forfeiture borne by the person from whom the items were confiscated. This new procedure will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/HB/HB1345.xml