Senate Bill 523 - Personal Asset Protection Act

• Creates the "Personal Asset Protection Act" to restrict civil asset forfeiture in Oklahoma, requiring conviction for most property forfeitures related to controlled dangerous substances violations.

• Requires law enforcement to return seized property within 30 days if no charges are filed, establishes jury trial rights for property owners in forfeiture proceedings, and raises the burden of proof standard to "clear and convincing evidence."

• Mandates annual public reporting by law enforcement agencies on all property seized and forfeited, with reports made available to the Governor, legislature, and State Auditor.

• Prohibits transfer of seized property or forfeiture proceeds to federal authorities unless the seized cash exceeds $50,000, restricting asset seizure cooperation with federal agencies.

• Establishes protections for bona fide innocent owners and lien holders, allows recovery of attorney fees and costs for defendants who prevail, and requires storage fees to be paid by seizing agencies rather than property owners.