Reforming Tennessee’s unfair civil asset forfeiture system begins with understanding the extent and prevalence of seizures. Currently, there is no state law that requires local or state law enforcement agencies to collect and report data on the number and type of forfeitures that take place or how the proceeds are used.
SB 1494/HB 2403 would change these unfair and exploitative policies, requiring the Department of Safety and local law enforcement agencies to report annually on civil asset forfeitures, including the number of seizures; whether the property owner was actually charged; what was seized; demographic information on property owners subjected to seizure and more.
CURRENT STATUS: This bill was taken off notice on March 15.
TAKE ACTION: Tell legislators to keep a closer watch on policing for profit in Tennessee.