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Utah House approves changes to asset-forfeiture rules after extended debate
Summary
After hours of floor debate about due process, funding and Initiative B, the Utah House passed a revised asset-forfeiture measure (second substitute Senate Bill 175) to redirect forfeiture proceeds to specified anti-drug programs and strengthen some innocent-owner protections. Vote: 46–27.
The Utah House on Feb. 20 passed second substitute Senate Bill 175, a sweeping amendment of state forfeiture rules intended to channel proceeds from seized assets into drug interdiction, courts, training and prevention programs while adding procedural protections for property owners.
Sponsor proponents framed the bill as a tool in the "war on drugs." Representative Erkhart said the measure seeks to "maintain and strengthen the property rights" instituted by the 2002 ballot initiative while ensuring that proceeds fund interdiction and education. "We want our law enforcement people to have the ability to fight that war," he said.
Opponents said the bill undermines Initiative B — passed by about 69 percent of voters — and risks seizing property from people never convicted of a crime. Representative Thompson said it…
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