HB451 Summary

• Madison County law enforcement agencies may voluntarily deliver seized currency to the circuit clerk for deposit in a federally insured financial institution when the currency is subject to a civil forfeiture proceeding.

• Law enforcement agencies may deposit only a portion of seized currency if they determine the remaining currency has significant evidentiary value, such as fingerprints, incriminating packaging, or notations that would be lost if deposited.

• The circuit clerk must deposit currency as soon as practicable into an interest-bearing account when practicable, and maintain detailed records including the law enforcement agency name, deposit date and amount, interest earned, case number, and disbursement information.

• No funds may be disbursed except pursuant to court order specifying the manner and amount of disbursement, and any interest earned on forfeited funds shall be paid to Madison County's General Fund.

• The act became effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.