Signed by the Governor: Colorado Bill Takes on Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole

DENVER Colo. (June 12, 2017) – Last week, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill into law that will take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system…

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Massachusetts Committee Holds Hearing on Bills to Take on Asset Forfeiture, Close Federal Loophole

BOSTON, Mass. (June 12, 2017) – Last week, an important Massachusetts joint committee held a hearing on three bills that would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases.The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by…

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New Iowa Law Reforms Asset Forfeiture, but Leaves Federal Loophole Wide Open

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 20, 2017) – Last week, Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill into law that takes a step toward reforming the state’s asset forfeiture laws, but fails to close a loophole that allows police to circumvent state laws by passing cases off to the feds. As introduced by the Senate Judiciary committee…

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Maine Legislature Kills Bill Taking on Asset Forfeiture

AUGUSTA, Maine (May 17, 2017) – The Maine legislature came together in a rare display of bipartisanship to kill a bill that would have reformed the state’s asset forfeiture laws. The legislation also took on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds in most situations.…

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Massachusetts Bills Take on Asset Forfeiture, Close Federal Loophole

BOSTON, Mass. (May 15, 2017) – Bills introduced in the Massachusetts House and Senate would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most cases.The legislation also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the…

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New Hampshire Bill to Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole Faces Intense Police Opposition

CONCORD, N.H. (May 8, 2017) –  A New Hampshire bill that would close a federal loophole allowing state and local police to circumvent stringent state asset forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds will go to the Senate floor later this week facing fierce oppostion. Rep, Michael Sylvia (R-Belmont) and Rep. John Burt (R-Goffstown)…

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Colorado House Passes Bill to Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Situations

DENVER Colo. (May 3, 2017) – Today, the Colorado House overwhelmingly passed a bill that would take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system related to asset…

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Texas Committee Passes Bill to Reform Asset Forfeiture, Close Federal Loophole in Most Situations

AUSTIN, Texas (May 3, 2017) – Last week, a Texas House committee passed a bill that would modestly reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws. However, it also closes a federal asset forfeiture loophole in most situations. Rep. Terry Canales (D-Edinburg) prefiled House Bill 344 (HB344) last fall. The legislation would make it more difficult for the…

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Colorado Committee Passes Bill to Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Situations

DENVER Colo. (May 1, 2017) – Last week, a Colorado House committee passed a bill that would take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system related to…

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