HB 4158 Summary

• Adds new section 7521a requiring property to be seized but not forfeited unless one of four conditions is met: criminal conviction for a violation, guilty plea approved by court, no one claims interest in property, or owner signs relinquishment form.

• Requires prosecuting attorney or attorney general to review and approve forfeiture when owner relinquishes property via signed form before property may be forfeited.

• Directs state court administrator's office to develop standard forms for property relinquishment and for claiming ownership interest in seized property.

• Exempts forfeiture proceedings where aggregate net equity value of seized property exceeds $50,000 from the new requirements, allowing traditional forfeiture procedures to continue for high-value seizures.

• Makes relinquishment forms confidential and not subject to Freedom of Information Act disclosure; allows immediate destruction of property that cannot be lawfully possessed or poses public health/safety danger regardless of conviction status.