An Act relative to forfeiture reform

SD 240, "An Act relative to forfeiture reform," changes Massachusetts' property forfeiture process under Chapter 94C. It requires the state (commonwealth) to prove property is forfeitable by a preponderance of evidence when owners claim it, shifts notice requirements to property owners, and guarantees public counsel for indigent owners and criminal defendants in related cases. The bill also mandates annual public reports detailing seized assets (cash, property, vehicles, real estate) and requires all forfeiture proceeds to go directly into the state general fund, replacing prior funding mechanisms for seized property management. These changes apply to all forfeiture cases involving property valued over $250.