House Bill 1360 Summary

• Requires seizing law enforcement agencies to prove probable cause for property seizure when a forfeiture petition is contested in court.

• Adds requirement that property owners prove they took reasonable steps to prevent illegal activities in order to prevent seizure of their property.

• Shifts burden of proof to the seizing law enforcement agency to demonstrate property is subject to forfeiture by a preponderance of the evidence, rather than using the petition as prima facie evidence when an answer is filed.

• Applies administrative forfeiture procedures to property valued at $20,000 or less, requiring notice by certified mail or publication and allowing 30 days for filing a petition to contest forfeiture.