An act relating to the appointment of legal counsel and record keeping in civil forfeiture actions

This bill expands legal protections for individuals facing civil forfeiture proceedings by mandating the assignment of public defenders to low-income defendants in specific cases involving livestock, alcohol, big game violations, drugs, and motor vehicles. It requires law enforcement agencies to maintain detailed records of seized property, including descriptions, values, and disposal methods, which must be submitted to the courts and made available for inspection by regulatory agencies. The legislation also strengthens notice requirements by informing property owners of their right to legal counsel and establishing clear procedures for requesting hearings before penalties are imposed. These changes aim to increase transparency and ensure fair access to legal representation in forfeiture actions across multiple state agencies.