The General Assembly unanimously approved legislation to eliminate the fee associated with property owners recovering their seized property after a civil forfeiture.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General Assembly unanimously approved legislation to eliminate the fee associated with property owners recovering their seized property after a civil forfeiture.
House Bill 1229, sponsored by State Rep. Justin Lafferty, R-Knoxville, removes the $350 bond an individual must pay to reclaim their property through a civil administrative hearing. This bill only impacts civil asset forfeiture, not criminal forfeiture.
“Tennesseans shouldn’t have to pay a fee just to reclaim their own property, especially when they were innocent bystanders, which is often the case in civil forfeiture,” Lafferty said. “I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly for passing and funding this legislation to protect the rights of our citizens.”
In an effort to disrupt illegal activity, law enforcement in Tennessee may seize property believed to be connected to a crime, even if no charges are filed against the owner. This can include vehicles, cash, real estate and other personal property.
Current state law requires a $350 fee for each piece of property seized. For example, if a person is trying to reclaim two pieces of property, they would have to pay $700 to get it back.
House Bill 1229 was signed by Gov. Bill Lee on May 2. It will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
Justin Lafferty represents House District 89 which includes part of Knox County.
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