HF 4571 Summary

• Establishes "innocent owner" protections allowing non-driver vehicle owners to claim vehicles are not subject to forfeiture if they did not have actual or constructive knowledge of the unlawful use and took reasonable steps to prevent it.

• Raises the minimum controlled substance value threshold for vehicle forfeiture from $75 to $100 and eliminates rental property forfeiture provisions under section 609.5317.

• Prohibits agencies from directly or indirectly transferring seized property to federal agencies if the transfer would circumvent Minnesota state law, limiting participation in federal equitable sharing programs.

• Requires comprehensive reporting by agencies and prosecutors on all forfeitures to the state auditor, including property values, costs, disposition method, and expenditures; mandates the state auditor report annually to the legislature and make data public.

• Appropriates $61,000 in fiscal year 2021 to the state auditor for audit and reporting requirements, with a base of $209,000 annually thereafter; requires a recidivism study on forfeiture and ignition interlock programs by August 1, 2023.