SB 30 Summary

• Allows crime victims to request the office of victims' rights file for return of their property held by law enforcement agencies through a court hearing process.

• Requires law enforcement agencies to request a hearing within 10 days of receiving a return request, with notice to prosecution, defense, and interested parties.

• Courts may order property returned if the victim proves ownership by preponderance of evidence and the objecting party fails to prove the property must be retained for evidentiary purposes.

• Courts may impose reasonable conditions on returned property, including storage requirements, photography of items, or other conditions necessary to maintain evidentiary integrity.

• Grants the victims' advocate authority to file property return requests under Alaska Statutes 12.36.070 on behalf of crime victims after conducting an investigation.