HB 1506 Summary

• Reenacts Section 41-29-176 to establish administrative forfeiture procedures for seized property valued under $20,000 that is not a controlled substance, raw material, or paraphernalia.

• Requires law enforcement to provide notice of intent to forfeit by certified mail, personal delivery, or (for property under $10,000) by posting on a state government forfeiture website for 30 days.

• Allows property owners to contest forfeiture by sending written notice to the seizing agency within 30 days; agency then has 30 days to file a forfeiture petition in court if it contests the claim.

• If no written contest is filed and seizure warrant was properly obtained, the district attorney or Bureau of Narcotics shall issue a declaration of forfeiture without court proceedings.

• Brings forward 21 related sections governing controlled substance enforcement, including search warrant procedures, agent authority, asset forfeiture procedures, and disposition of forfeited property and funds.