Senate Bill 1216 Summary

• Amends the Public Health Code (MCL 333.7523) to establish procedures for property forfeiture when seized without legal process and valued at $50,000 or less.

• Requires seizing agencies to notify property owners by personal delivery, certified mail, or newspaper publication (10 successive days) of intent to forfeit and dispose of property.

• Allows interested parties 20 days from notice to file a written claim and post a bond equal to 10% of property value (minimum $250, maximum $5,000) to challenge the forfeiture.

• Mandates that forfeiture proceedings be initiated by attorneys general, prosecuting attorneys, or local attorneys after the 20-day claim period expires, with criminal proceedings completed before property disposal.

• Provides that if no claim or bond is filed within 20 days, property is forfeited and may be disposed of under existing law, though criminal proceedings must be completed first.

• Bill does not take effect unless Senate Bill 1212 of the 95th Legislature is enacted into law.