An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in Massachusetts’ civil asset forfeiture (CAF) process. It requires law enforcement agencies to report detailed data on CAF cases, including the types of assets seized, the reasons for forfeiture, and the outcomes of appeals. The bill also seeks to ensure that individuals facing CAF proceedings have access to legal representation. Ultimately, the goal is to provide greater public oversight of CAF activities and to prevent potential abuses of the system.
Key provisions
- Requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report detailed data on civil asset forfeiture cases.
- Mandates the reporting of information on seized assets, including their value and the reasons for forfeiture.
- Ensures individuals facing civil asset forfeiture have access to legal counsel.
- Promotes transparency in the CAF process by making data publicly available.
- Requires agencies to report on the number of cases pursued and the value of assets seized.
- Includes provisions for auditing CAF practices.
- Establishes a reporting timeline for agencies to submit data.
Who is affected
- Law enforcement agencies
- Individuals subject to civil asset forfeiture
- The public
- The Judiciary
Notable changes
- Increases public access to data regarding civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Danillo A. Sena
Cosponsors
Danillo A. Sena
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