HI HB2052

Amends forfeiture law to prohibit seizure of motor vehicles used primarily for personal use by the owner unless the owner has been convicted of the covered offense or a non-owner was convicted with the owner's knowledge and consent.

Requires criminal conviction as a prerequisite for forfeiting personal-use motor vehicles, preventing civil forfeiture proceedings alone from resulting in vehicle loss.

Maintains existing protections allowing forfeiture of real property only when the covered offense is chargeable as a felony and preserving the rights of secured parties with bona fide security interests.

Modifies section 712A-11(6) to clarify that acquittal or dismissal in criminal proceedings does not preclude civil forfeiture actions, except for personal motor vehicles under the new restrictions.

Effective upon approval.