MA
Massachusetts Senate Bill S1111

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S1111

Introduced
2/16/23  

Caption

Relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting

Impact

The proposed bill will significantly affect existing state laws governing civil asset forfeiture by instituting new reporting obligations aimed at reducing abuses and promoting responsible use of forfeiture statutes. Legislative adherence to these reporting requirements not only increases transparency but also serves to deter potential misconduct within law enforcement agencies. Moreover, it would lead to improvements in public awareness and understanding of asset forfeiture practices, possibly influencing public policy and debates surrounding law enforcement practices in Massachusetts.

Summary

Senate Bill S1111 seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in civil asset forfeiture processes within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill establishes requirements for law enforcement agencies, such as the attorney general and district attorneys, to file annual reports detailing asset seizures and the financial outcomes from those seizures. This report must include comprehensive information such as the date of seizure, types and descriptions of seized properties, their estimated values, and outcomes of related criminal cases. By promoting these practices, the bill aims to provide the public with a clearer view of how civil asset forfeiture is conducted and its implications within the judicial system.

Contention

While proponents of S1111 argue that improved data collection and reporting will foster greater accountability and trust in law enforcement operations, opponents may view the increased oversight as unnecessary government regulation interfering with law enforcement's ability to act swiftly. Detractors may also express concerns that compliance with these mandates could strain resources or hamper effective policing due to added administrative burdens. The balance between effective law enforcement and public transparency will likely be a point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Latest S1111 Activity

Companion Bills

MA S2367

Similar To Relative to third party delivery data reporting

MA H3372

Similar To Relative to third party delivery data reporting

MA H1859

Similar To Relative to improving PFML data reporting

MA H1762

Similar To Relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting

MA S2758

Replaced by Relative to forfeiture reform

Similar Bills

HI SB149

Relating To Property Forfeiture.

KS SB237

Requiring a criminal conviction for civil asset forfeiture and proof beyond a reasonable doubt that property is subject to forfeiture, remitting proceeds to the state general fund and requiring law enforcement agencies to make forfeiture reports more frequently.

KS HB2396

Requiring a criminal conviction for civil asset forfeiture and proof beyond a reasonable doubt that property is subject to forfeiture, remitting proceeds to the state general fund and requiring law enforcement agencies to make forfeiture reports more frequently.

KS HB2380

Requiring a criminal conviction for civil asset forfeiture, remitting proceeds from civil asset forfeiture to the state general fund, increasing the burden of proof required to forfeit property, making certain property ineligible for forfeiture, providing persons involved in forfeiture proceedings representation by counsel and the ability to demand a jury trial and allowing a person to request a hearing on whether forfeiture is excessive.

KS SB458

Specifying that certain drug offenses do not give rise to forfeiture under the Kansas standard asset seizure and forfeiture act, providing limitations on state and local law enforcement agency requests for federal adoption of a seizure under the act, requiring probable cause affidavit filing and review to commence forfeiture proceedings, increasing the burden of proof required to forfeit property to clear and convincing evidence, authorizing courts to order payment of attorney fees and costs for certain claimants and requiring the Kansas bureau of investigation to submit forfeiture fund financial reports to the legislature.

LA SB359

Provides for civil forfeiture reform. (8/1/22)

KS HB2606

Specifying that certain drug offenses do not give rise to forfeiture under the Kansas standard asset seizure and forfeiture act, requiring courts to make a finding that forfeiture is not excessive, restricting actions prior to commencement of forfeiture proceedings, requiring probable cause affidavit filing and review to commence proceedings, increasing the burden of proof required to forfeit property to clear and convincing evidence and authorizing courts to order payment of attorney fees and costs for certain claimants.

HI HB1965

Relating To Property Forfeiture.