S.B. No. 236 - Asset Forfeiture Reform

• Eliminates civil asset forfeiture proceedings (repeals section 2981.05) and restricts forfeiture to criminal cases where a person is convicted or adjudicated delinquent.

• Requires criminal forfeiture only upon conviction or delinquency adjudication, with burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence and mandatory proportionality review for instrumentalities.

• Prohibits law enforcement from transferring seized property to federal authorities unless the property value exceeds $50,000, keeping smaller forfeitures under state control.

• Mandates detailed accounting and public reporting of forfeited funds, with at least 10-25% of proceeds allocated to community addiction services and drug education programs.

• Establishes strict procedural protections including notice requirements, third-party claim procedures, and conditional release provisions for persons with interests in seized property.