HB 5974 Summary

• Changes "shall" to "must" throughout the section regarding distribution of forfeited property proceeds to align with current statutory drafting conventions.

• Clarifies that 75% of forfeiture funds received by government units must be used to enhance criminal law enforcement as appropriated by the entity with budgetary authority, with not more than 10% directed to the prosecuting attorney if the county is substantially involved.

• Requires units of government receiving forfeiture money to report annually to the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget on amounts spent for criminal law enforcement versus implementation of the William Van Regenmorter crime victim's rights act.

• Maintains existing provisions for payment priorities from forfeited property sales, including secured interests, restitution orders, victim claims, government liens, and forfeiture proceeding expenses.