Bill > SB2873

This bill establishes administrative forfeiture procedures for certain seized cigarettes and ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) products, which are devices that deliver nicotine through an inhaler or aerosol. Specifically, if cigarettes or ENDS products valued at $20,000 or less are seized, the seizing agency can initiate an administrative forfeiture process instead of a court-supervised one. This process involves notifying the owner of the property, either by mail or personal delivery, and if that fails, by publishing notice in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks. The notice must include details about the property, seizure, and how to contest the forfeiture. Individuals claiming an interest in the seized property have 30 days from receiving notice or the first publication to file a petition in county or circuit court to contest the forfeiture. If no contest is filed within the timeframe, the property is declared forfeited and can be used, distributed, or disposed of by the seizing agency, with the costs of seizure and forfeiture borne by the person from whom the items were confiscated. This new process will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2873.xml