Tenther Tuesday Episode 32: Asset Forfeiture is Theft
Federal agents, along with state and local police across the country, are still taking people's stuff without due process. But some states are pushing back.
To the Governor: Wisconsin Passes Bill Taking on Asset Forfeiture
MADISON, Wisc. (Feb. 22, 2018) – Yesterday, the Wisconsin Assembly gave final approval to a bill that would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to prohibit the state from taking property without a criminal conviction in most situations. The legislation also takes a small, but important step toward closing a federal loophole that allows police…
Washington Committee Passes Bill to Reform Asset Forfeiture Laws; First Step to Address Federal Loophole
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Jan. 29, 2018) – Last week, a Washington state House committee passed a bill that would improve the state’s asset forfeiture laws and set the stage to close a loophole that allows state and local police to circumvent more strict state forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep. Matt Shea (R-Spokane…
South Carolina Bill Would Take First Step Toward Closing Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Dec. 21, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the South Carolina House would reform the state’s asset forfeiture laws to minimize the policing for profit motive and would partially close a loophole that allows state and local police to circumvent more strict state forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep.…
Missouri Bill Would Close Federal Asset Forfeiture Loophole in Most Cases
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Dec. 8, 2017) – A bill prefiled in the Missouri House would close a loophole in most situations that allows state and local police to circumvent stringent state asset forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-St. Louis) prefiled House Bill 1501 (HB1501) on Dec. 5. The…
Now In Effect: New Arizona Law Takes on State, Federal Asset Forfeiture
On Tuesday, a new Arizona law reforming the state’s civil asset forfeiture process went into effect. The new law also takes on federal forfeiture programs by banning prosecutors from circumventing state laws by passing cases off to the feds.
Now in Effect: Colorado Opts Out of Federal Asset Forfeiture Program in Most Situations
"While we'd like to see Colorado and every other state completely opt out of this federal program, an 80-85% reduction in seizures through this federal scheme will be a huge step forward to nullify it in practice and effect."
Feds push for more asset forfeiture, but states can stop it
We've got some bad news and good news on asset forfeiture and the 10th Amendment.
Connecticut Reforms Asset Forfeiture Law, But Federal Loophole Remains
HARTFORD, Conn. (July 19, 2017) – Last week, Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy signed a bill into law that significantly reforms the state’s asset forfeiture laws, but fails to close a loophole that allows police to circumvent more strict state laws by passing cases off to the feds. The House Banking Committee Committee introduced House Bill 7146 (HB7146)…
Missouri Committee Passes Bill to Withdraw from Federal Asset Forfeiture Program in Most Situations
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (April 19, 2017) – Yesterday, a second Missouri House committee unanimously passed a bill that would close a loophole allowing state and local police to circumvent stringent state asset forfeiture laws by passing cases off to the feds. Rep. Shamed Dogan (R-St. Louis) filed House Bill 231 (HB231) in January. The legislation…