HF 3955 Summary

• Expands vehicle forfeiture in prostitution offenses to include vehicles used "in any way" to commit, facilitate, or provide transportation to or from the crime scene for violations of Minnesota Statute 609.324 or local ordinances substantially similar to it.

• Requires a hearing before a judge or referee within 96 hours of vehicle seizure, with notice to the registered owner within 48 hours, and allows vehicle return if the prosecutor fails to certify charges, the owner demonstrates a valid defense, or seizure creates undue family hardship.

• Exempts vehicles leased or rented for 180 days or less from forfeiture and requires that defendants acquitted or having charges dismissed are not responsible for seizure or storage costs.

• Requires courts to determine whether a person convicted of patronizing prostitutes used a motor vehicle and whether they have prior prostitution convictions, then report findings to the Department of Public Safety for recording on the person's driving record.

• Excludes the Department of Corrections Fugitive Apprehension Unit from participating in vehicle forfeiture proceedings under this statute.