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Hotly contested vehicle‑forfeiture bill amended after floor fights over due process and innocent owners
Summary
House debated House Bill 2 to forfeit vehicles used in violent crimes. Members raised due‑process concerns about seizure without process, impoundment timelines, and effects on innocent owners; the chamber adopted amendments narrowing forfeiture when vehicles were used without owner knowledge/consent and shortened procedural deadlines.
Representative Raymond W. Short presented House Bill 2, proposing forfeiture of vehicles used in the commission of violent crimes (including drive‑by shootings) or used to transport incendiary devices or firearms. Short said the proposal was meant to give law enforcement another tool to deter gang violence.
Floor debate focused on constitutional due process and practical fairness. Representative Cannon proposed tying forfeiture to the conviction of the perpetrator; Representative Howard,…
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