MN HF31

Limits vehicle forfeiture for driving while impaired offenses to cases where driver is convicted, fails to appear in court, or receives a designated license revocation, and requires clear and convincing evidence that innocent owners had knowledge of or consented to the illegal use.

Creates "innocent owner" procedures allowing non-driver owners to claim vehicles within 60 days of seizure notice and establish they lacked knowledge of unlawful use or took reasonable steps to prevent it.

Raises the threshold for forfeitable controlled substances in vehicles from $75 to $100 retail value and clarifies that vehicles must have been used in transportation or exchange of controlled substances intended for distribution or sale.

Prohibits agencies from transferring forfeitable property to federal authorities if the transfer would circumvent state law, modifying participation in federal equitable sharing programs.

Requires comprehensive reporting to state auditor on all forfeitures including amounts, statutory authority, contested status, and expenditures of proceeds; directs legislative auditor to study forfeiture and ignition interlock program efficacy by January 2024.