An Act relative to civil asset forfeiture

This bill modifies Massachusetts laws regarding civil asset forfeiture, which allows the government to seize property connected to illegal drug activity without first convicting the owner of a crime. It raises the monetary threshold for seizing cash from $250 to $250, meaning authorities can no longer confiscate small amounts of money linked to drug offenses. The legislation also shifts the burden of proof to the government, requiring them to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that property is forfeitable, while also mandating that criminal defendants receive legal representation during forfeiture hearings. Additionally, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to publicly report all seized assets and mandates that proceeds from the sale of forfeited property be split equally between a substance abuse prevention fund and a community assistance fund.