TX SB839

Motor vehicles valued at less than $10,000 are exempt from civil asset forfeiture under the Code of Criminal Procedure

Property belonging to innocent owners cannot be forfeited, providing explicit protection regardless of other provisions in law

Attorney General must establish and maintain a case tracking system and public searchable internet database containing detailed information on all property seizures and forfeitures, including seizure dates, property descriptions, case outcomes, and disposition of property

Law enforcement agencies and prosecutors must submit annual expenditure reports within 30 days of fiscal year end, with civil penalties of $500 or 25% of forfeiture proceeds (whichever is greater) for non-compliance; agencies failing to file required reports are prohibited from receiving or spending forfeiture funds until compliant

Attorney General must submit annual summary reports to the governor and legislative leadership within 120 days of fiscal year end, with changes taking effect September 1, 2025, and applying to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2026