Bill > H7289

This bill amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act to prohibit civil asset forfeiture, which is the government's seizure of property suspected of being involved in a crime, concerning violations of controlled substances laws unless a criminal conviction has first been obtained. Previously, property could be seized and forfeited under various circumstances even without a conviction, but this legislation introduces a requirement for a criminal conviction before such forfeiture can occur, with specific exceptions for common carriers and property unlawfully possessed or used without the owner's knowledge or consent. The bill also clarifies that while the state initially bears the burden of proving probable cause for seizure, the claimant then has the burden to prove by a preponderance of evidence that the property is not subject to forfeiture, and it will take effect immediately upon its passage.

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