AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- UNIFORM CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT-- POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL -- CIVIL FORFEITURE PROCEDURE

HB 5363 prohibits civil forfeiture (seizing property without a criminal conviction) for violations of controlled substances laws until after a criminal conviction is secured. This means law enforcement cannot seize assets like vehicles or cash related to drug offenses without first obtaining a criminal conviction. The bill adds specific protections for innocent property owners, requiring proof of their involvement before forfeiture can occur. It directly affects individuals whose property is seized under drug laws but have not yet faced a criminal trial.