MA
Massachusetts House Bill H1990

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1990

Introduced
2/27/25  

Caption

Relative to civil asset forfeiture transparency and data reporting

Impact

If passed, H1990 will significantly impact state laws related to asset forfeiture by introducing mandatory data reporting requirements. These reports will be public records and must be filed yearly, which may lead to increased public scrutiny of law enforcement practices concerning asset seizures. This shift towards greater transparency could potentially deter abuses of the forfeiture system, as agencies will have to justify and account for their actions systematically. Moreover, the establishment of a searchable public database is expected to enhance civic engagement and oversight.

Summary

House Bill 1990 proposes amendments to the existing laws governing civil asset forfeiture in Massachusetts. This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability by requiring law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General and district attorneys, to file annual reports detailing all assets seized through forfeiture. These reports must provide comprehensive itemized accounts of each seizure and forfeiture, thus ensuring public access to this critical information. The intended outcome is to promote transparency in processes that have historically been criticized for their lack of oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding H1990 revolve around the balance between law enforcement authority and individual rights. Some stakeholders may argue that such transparency measures could hinder law enforcement's ability to act effectively in forfeiture cases or complicate their operations. Conversely, advocates for civil liberties may contend that the bill does not go far enough in protecting individual rights against potentially unjust seizures. Additionally, concerns regarding data privacy and the potential misuse of information collected under these new requirements may also spark debate among legislators and the public.

Latest H1990 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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.