MS SB2819

Raises the property value threshold for administrative forfeiture procedures from an unspecified amount to twenty thousand dollars ($20,000.00).

Requires law enforcement agencies to provide notice of intent to forfeit property either by certified mail to interested parties or by newspaper publication for three consecutive weeks if direct notice cannot be given.

Specifies that forfeited property proceeds be divided with 20% to the state General Fund and 80% to participating law enforcement agencies, with adjustments when multiple agencies are involved or the Bureau of Narcotics initiates the case.

Allows county and municipal law enforcement agencies to maintain and use forfeited motor vehicles for official purposes, with sheriffs able to transfer vehicles to counties and police chiefs able to transfer to municipalities.

Establishes that 100% of federally-transferred forfeited property under federal sharing provisions must be credited to the participating state or local agency's budget to augment rather than replace existing law enforcement resources, effective July 1, 2010.