Bill > HB2752

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding asset forfeiture—a legal process where the government seizes property believed to be involved in or derived from criminal activity—specifically in the context of human trafficking. The legislation introduces mandatory forfeiture for individuals convicted of human trafficking, requiring courts to order the forfeiture of any real or personal property used to facilitate the crime or obtained as proceeds from it, including any traceable property. Furthermore, the bill establishes a priority system for how the money generated from selling forfeited property is distributed. It mandates that any funds or proceeds seized must first be used to satisfy court-ordered restitution—which is financial compensation paid by the offender to victims for their losses—taking precedence over the standard distribution of funds to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, or state commissions. Finally, the legislation clarifies that using forfeited assets to pay victim restitution does not reduce or eliminate the convicted person's underlying legal obligation to pay the full amount of restitution owed through their other non-forfeited assets.