VT H0592

Public defenders must be assigned to represent needy persons in civil forfeiture proceedings involving livestock/poultry products, alcoholic beverages, big game violations, regulated drugs, and motor vehicles

Forfeiture notices must inform recipients of their right to private counsel or a public defender

Law enforcement and state agencies must maintain detailed records of all forfeited property, including source, description, value, disposition authority, recipient, and destruction/disposal date

Records must be submitted to Superior Court (or Commissioner for wildlife cases) and remain open for inspection by federal and state regulatory agencies

Effective date: July 1, 2026