Concerning seizure and forfeiture procedures and reporting.
What changed between versions
Raised the burden of proof for the government to seize property from 'preponderance of the evidence' to 'clear, cogent, and convincing evidence' across multiple sections of the law.
Extended the time limit for property owners to claim seized personal property from 45 days to 60 days, and real property from 90 days to 120 days.
Added a requirement that seized property must be returned in a 'substantially similar condition' rather than the 'same or substantially similar condition' previously required.
Expanded the types of courts that can hear forfeiture cases to include municipal courts for lower-value personal property, in addition to district courts.
Reorganized the allocation of forfeiture proceeds to ensure specific percentages go to the behavioral health loan repayment program and the prostitution prevention account, while retaining other funds for general law enforcement expenses.
Corrected internal references to the new chapter number in the text, changing references from 'section 16' to 'section 15' to align with the final bill structure.