Creating Criminal Forfeiture Process Act to replace West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act

SB 591 replaces West Virginia's West Virginia Contraband Forfeiture Act with a new "Criminal Forfeiture Process Act" specifically for property used in or derived from felony drug crimes (violations of controlled substance laws). It mandates that forfeiture proceedings occur within the criminal court handling the underlying drug case, eliminating civil forfeiture options. Key provisions define terms like "contraband" (unlawful drugs) and "instrumentality" (lawful property used in crime), clarify that seized property has no ownership rights, and prohibit state agencies from transferring property to federal agencies for federal forfeiture. This law directly affects individuals or entities whose property is seized in drug-related felony cases.