Reform to state asset forfeiture laws possible in #msleg

State forfeiture laws cited as failure

The first step in reforming the state’s asset forfeiture laws occurred Tuesday when a House committee approved a bill creating a public registry of seized assets.

The House Judiciary A action came on the same day a national report gave Mississippi failing grades when it comes to forfeiture laws.

“Forfeiture transparency laws in Mississippi are in dire need of reform, as they leave legislators and the public in the dark about how forfeiture is being used and make it impossible to hold law enforcement accountable,” says a report released Tuesday by the Institute for Justice.

Clarion Ledger
1/17/17