Bray bill to reform civil forfeiture passes House

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

INDIANAPOLIS — A bill authored by State Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) that would reform Indiana’s civil forfeiture laws has passed the Indiana House of Representatives by a vote of 98-0.

Senate Enrolled Act 99 would establish a probable cause requirement for all forfeiture cases and establishes a process for innocent property owners to get their property back if it was seized while in another person’s possession.

The bill would also establish new guidelines to speed up the court process.

“This is a crucial bill for combatting criminal activity across our state,” Sen. Bray, who represents the southern half of Putnam County, said. “SEA 99 balances an individual’s personal property rights with the rights of our law enforcement agencies, which hold the power to seize property from criminals like drug dealers and gangs.”

SEA 99 now moves to the governor’s office for final consideration.

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