MN HF2704

Changes vehicle forfeiture law to protect vehicles when "any of its owners" can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence they lacked knowledge of illegal vehicle use or took reasonable steps to prevent such use.

Expands protection to multiple vehicle owners by adding "owners" language and clarifying that if an offender is a family or household member of "any of the owners" petitioning the court with three or more prior impaired driving convictions, the owner is presumed to know of vehicle use contrary to law.

Maintains existing protections for secured parties and lessors, requiring they show knowledge of or consent to illegal activity for their interests to be forfeited, or demonstrate they took reasonable steps to prevent vehicle use by the offender.

Lists specific vehicle violations that qualify as "vehicle use contrary to law," including driving without valid license, failure to produce proof of insurance, driving while impaired, underage drinking and driving, and open bottle law violations.

Effective August 1, 2016, and applies to all forfeiture actions occurring on or after that date.