HB 1795 Summary

• Authorizes peace officers to place written hold orders on gems or precious metals in dealer possession when there is probable cause to believe the property is stolen or embezzled, with an initial term not exceeding 30 days and renewable in successive 30-day increments.

• Requires hold orders to contain specific information including officer identification, agency name and address, complete property description with identifying numbers, reporting agency name, dealer mailing address, and expiration date.

• Allows dealers to consent to release held property to law enforcement custody without waiving property rights, but prohibits other release or disposal except by court order or hold order expiration.

• Requires district attorney notification to dealers in writing within 15 days of case disposition when criminal charges are filed, with dealers obligated to hold property as evidence until receiving disposition notice.

• Establishes willful noncompliance with hold orders as a violation under Section 1529 and permits early release by written authorization from the agency placing the initial hold order; act becomes effective November 1, 2015.