HB 5250 Summary

• Creates the "Uniform Forfeiture Reporting Act" requiring all reporting agencies to submit monthly reports to the Department of State Police beginning February 1, 2014, detailing all property seized or forfeited under specified Michigan statutes.

• Mandates reporting agencies provide 21 categories of information including number of proceedings instituted and concluded, property descriptions and values, violation allegations, defendant charging and conviction status, attorney representation, and final disposition of seized property.

• Requires reporting agencies to track and report expenditures of forfeiture proceeds across 13 specific categories including crime prevention, witness protection, personnel costs, equipment purchases, and other operational expenses.

• Authorizes the Department of State Police to charge fees to reporting agencies for implementing reporting requirements and allows withholding of law enforcement funds from non-compliant agencies; authorizes use of forfeiture proceeds to pay reporting costs.

• Requires audits of forfeiture records under existing Michigan audit laws and mandates the Department of State Police file annual reports to the legislature identifying non-compliant agencies and recommending improvements to forfeiture administration and fairness; bill contingent on enactment of HB 5081, HB 5251, and HB 5252.