Download Zipped Introduced WordPerfect HB0384.ZIP
[Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note][Bills Directory]

H.B. 384

             1     

PROPERTY DISPOSITION AMENDMENTS

             2     
2013 GENERAL SESSION

             3     
STATE OF UTAH

             4     
Chief Sponsor: Brad L. Dee

             5     
Senate Sponsor: Curtis S. Bramble

             6     
             7      LONG TITLE
             8      General Description:
             9          This bill modifies the Utah Code regarding forfeiture provisions and consolidates
             10      provisions regarding forfeiture and disposition of property, including mislaid property.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    repeals the current Title 24, Forfeiture Procedures, and enacts a new Title 24,
             14      Forfeiture of Property Act, which reinstates forfeiture provisions and also includes
             15      various forfeiture provisions previously located in other sections of the Utah Code;
             16          .    provides that the provisions regarding attorney fees and costs are modified to
             17      establish that the prevailing party in a forfeiture action may not claim fees and costs
             18      in excess of 20% of the value of the property;
             19          .    renames the Crime Reduction Assistance Program to the State Asset Forfeiture
             20      Grant Program;
             21          .    amends sections of the code that include various forfeiture provisions by moving
             22      those sections into Title 24, Forfeiture of Property Act;
             23          .    includes tobacco products, in addition to cigarettes, in the tobacco forfeiture
             24      provisions;
             25          .    amends Title 77, Chapter 24a, regarding unclaimed personal property, to address
             26      lost or mislaid personal property and procedures regarding turning found property to
             27      law enforcement, the claiming of the property by a rightful owner, and disposition


             28      of unclaimed property;
             29          .    provides that all property that has been used to facilitate the commission of a crime
             30      and any proceeds of criminal activity are subject to forfeiture unless a specific law
             31      addresses forfeiture, such as DUI and wildlife offense issues; and
             32          .    amends affected references in other sections.
             33      Money Appropriated in this Bill:
             34          None
             35      Other Special Clauses:
             36          This bill takes effect on July 1, 2013.
             37      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             38      AMENDS:
             39          23-20-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 297
             40          32B-4-206, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapters 307 and 334
             41          41-6a-527, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 81
             42          53-7-406, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 362
             43          63J-1-602.1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapter 332
             44          76-6-903, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1999, Chapter 51
             45          76-10-1603.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapters 129 and 180
             46          77-24a-2, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1986, Chapter 131
             47          77-24a-3, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1986, Chapter 131
             48          77-24a-4, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1986, Chapter 131
             49          77-24a-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 388
             50      ENACTS:
             51          24-1-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             52          24-1-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             53          24-1-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             54          24-2-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             55          24-2-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             56          24-2-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             57          24-3-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             58          24-3-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953


             59          24-3-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             60          24-3-104, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             61          24-4-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             62          24-4-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             63          24-4-103, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             64          24-4-104, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             65          24-4-105, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             66          24-4-106, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             67          24-4-107, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             68          24-4-108, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             69          24-4-109, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             70          24-4-110, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             71          24-4-111, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             72          24-4-112, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             73          24-4-113, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             74          24-4-114, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             75          24-4-115, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             76          24-4-116, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             77          24-4-117, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             78      REPEALS AND REENACTS:
             79          77-24a-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 126
             80      REPEALS:
             81          24-1-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 185
             82          24-1-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             83          24-1-3, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 272
             84          24-1-3.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 3
             85          24-1-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2009, Chapter 388
             86          24-1-5, as enacted by Statewide Initiative B, Nov. 7, 2000
             87          24-1-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             88          24-1-7, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 366
             89          24-1-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 297


             90          24-1-9, as enacted by Statewide Initiative B, Nov. 7, 2000
             91          24-1-10, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             92          24-1-11, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             93          24-1-12, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             94          24-1-13, as enacted by Statewide Initiative B, Nov. 7, 2000
             95          24-1-14, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             96          24-1-15, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 180
             97          24-1-17, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             98          24-1-18, as enacted by Laws of Utah 2004, Chapter 296
             99          24-1-19, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 342
             100          24-1-20, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 342
             101          41-6a-211, as renumbered and amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 2
             102          58-37-13, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 185
             103          76-3-501, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 185
             104          76-10-525, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1973, Chapter 196
             105          76-10-1107, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 180
             106          76-10-1908, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2002, Chapter 185
             107          77-24-1, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 126
             108          77-24-1.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2011, Chapter 130
             109          77-24-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2012, Chapters 47 and 284
             110          77-24-3, as enacted by Laws of Utah 1980, Chapter 15
             111          77-24-4, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 126
             112          77-24-5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 126
             113     
             114      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             115          Section 1. Section 23-20-1 is amended to read:
             116           23-20-1. Enforcement authority of conservation officers -- Seizure and disposition
             117      of property.
             118          (1) Conservation officers of the division shall enforce the provisions of this title with
             119      the same authority and following the same procedures as other law enforcement officers.
             120          (2) (a) Conservation officers shall seize any protected wildlife illegally taken or held.


             121          (b) (i) Upon determination of a defendant's guilt by the court, the protected wildlife
             122      shall be confiscated by the court and sold or otherwise disposed of by the division.
             123          (ii) Proceeds of the sales shall be deposited in the Wildlife Resources Account.
             124          (iii) Migratory wildfowl may not be sold, but shall be given to a charitable institution
             125      or used for other charitable purposes.
             126          [(3) Materials and devices used for the unlawful taking or possessing of protected
             127      wildlife shall be seized, and upon a finding by the court that they were used in the unlawful
             128      taking or possessing of protected wildlife, the materials and devices shall be subject to criminal
             129      or civil forfeiture under the procedures and substantive protections established in Title 24,
             130      Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act.]
             131          [(4)] (3) (a) Conservation officers may seize and impound a vehicle used for the
             132      unlawful taking or possessing of protected wildlife for any of the following purposes:
             133          (i) to provide for the safekeeping of the vehicle, if the owner or operator is arrested;
             134          (ii) to search the vehicle as provided in Subsection (2)(a) or as provided by a search
             135      warrant; or
             136          (iii) to inspect the vehicle for evidence that protected wildlife was unlawfully taken or
             137      possessed.
             138          (b) The division shall store any seized vehicle in a public or private garage, state
             139      impound lot, or other secured storage facility.
             140          [(5)] (4) A seized vehicle shall be released to the owner no later than 30 days after the
             141      date the vehicle is seized, unless the vehicle was used for the unlawful taking or possessing of
             142      wildlife by a person who is charged with committing a felony under this title.
             143          [(6) (a) Upon a finding by a court that the person who used the vehicle for the unlawful
             144      taking or possessing of wildlife is guilty of a felony under this title, the vehicle may be subject
             145      to criminal or civil forfeiture under the procedures and substantive protections established in
             146      Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act.]
             147          [(b)] (5) (a) The owner of a seized vehicle is liable for the payment of any impound fee
             148      if the owner used the vehicle for the unlawful taking or possessing of wildlife and is found by a
             149      court to be guilty of a violation of this title.
             150          [(c)] (b) The owner of a seized vehicle is not liable for the payment of any impound fee
             151      or, if the fees have been paid, is entitled to reimbursement of the fees paid, if:


             152          (i) no charges are filed or all charges are dropped which involve the use of the vehicle
             153      for the unlawful taking or possessing of wildlife;
             154          (ii) the person charged with using the vehicle for the unlawful taking or possessing of
             155      wildlife is found by a court to be not guilty; or
             156          (iii) the owner did not consent to a use of the vehicle which violates this chapter.
             157          Section 2. Section 24-1-101 is enacted to read:
             158     
TITLE 24. FORFEITURE OF PROPERTY ACT

             159     
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

             160          24-1-101. Title.
             161          (1) This title is known as the "Forfeiture of Property Act."
             162          (2) This chapter is known as "General Provisions."
             163          Section 3. Section 24-1-102 is enacted to read:
             164          24-1-102. Definitions.
             165          As used in this title:
             166          (1) "Account" means the Criminal Forfeiture Restricted Account created in Section
             167      24-4-115 .
             168          (2) (a) "Acquittal" means a finding by a jury or a judge at trial that a claimant is not
             169      guilty.
             170          (b) An acquittal does not include:
             171          (i) a verdict of guilty on a lesser or reduced charge;
             172          (ii) a plea of guilty to a lesser or reduced charge; or
             173          (iii) dismissal of a charge as a result of a negotiated plea agreement.
             174          (3) "Agency" means any agency of municipal, county, or state government, including
             175      law enforcement agencies, law enforcement personnel, and multijurisdictional task forces.
             176          (4) (a) "Claimant" means any:
             177          (i) owner of property as defined in this section;
             178          (ii) interest holder as defined in this section; or
             179          (iii) person from whom property is seized for forfeiture.
             180          (b) A claimant does not include a person or entity who disclaims in writing ownership
             181      of or interest in property.
             182          (5) "Commission" means the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice.


             183          (6) "Complaint" means a civil in rem complaint seeking the forfeiture of any real or
             184      personal property under this title.
             185          (7) "Constructive seizure" means a seizure of property where the property is left in the
             186      control of the owner and the seizing agency posts the property with a notice of intent to seek
             187      forfeiture.
             188          (8) (a) "Contraband" means any property, item, or substance that is unlawful to
             189      produce or to possess under state or federal law.
             190          (b) All controlled substances that are possessed, transferred, distributed, or offered for
             191      distribution in violation of Title 58, Chapter 37, Utah Controlled Substances Act, are
             192      contraband.
             193          (9) "Innocent owner" means a claimant who:
             194          (a) held an ownership interest in property at the time the conduct subjecting the
             195      property to forfeiture occurred, and:
             196          (i) did not have actual knowledge of the conduct subjecting the property to forfeiture;
             197      or
             198          (ii) upon learning of the conduct subjecting the property to forfeiture, took reasonable
             199      steps to prohibit the illegal use of the property; or
             200          (b) acquired an ownership interest in the property and who had no knowledge that the
             201      illegal conduct subjecting the property to forfeiture had occurred or that the property had been
             202      seized for forfeiture, and:
             203          (i) acquired the property in a bona fide transaction for value;
             204          (ii) was a person, including a minor child, who acquired an interest in the property
             205      through probate or inheritance; or
             206          (iii) was a spouse who acquired an interest in property through dissolution of marriage
             207      or by operation of law.
             208          (10) (a) "Interest holder" means a secured party as defined in Section 70A-9a-102 , a
             209      mortgagee, lien creditor, or the beneficiary of a security interest or encumbrance pertaining to
             210      an interest in property, whose interest would be perfected against a good faith purchaser for
             211      value.
             212          (b) "Interest holder" does not mean a person who holds property for the benefit of or as
             213      an agent or nominee for another person, or who is not in substantial compliance with any


             214      statute requiring an interest in property to be recorded or reflected in public records in order to
             215      perfect the interest against a good faith purchaser for value.
             216          (11) "Known address" means any address provided by a claimant to the agency at the
             217      time the property was seized, or the claimant's most recent address on record with a
             218      governmental entity if no address was provided at the time of the seizure.
             219          (12) "Legal costs" means the costs and expenses incurred by a party in a forfeiture
             220      action.
             221          (13) "Legislative body" means:
             222          (a) (i) the Legislature, county commission, county council, city commission, city
             223      council, or town council that has fiscal oversight and budgetary approval authority over an
             224      agency; or
             225          (ii) the agency's governing political subdivision; or
             226          (b) the lead governmental entity of a multijurisdictional task force, as designated in a
             227      memorandum of understanding executed by the agencies participating in the task force.
             228          (14) "Multijurisdictional task force" means a law enforcement task force or other
             229      agency comprised of persons who are employed by or acting under the authority of different
             230      governmental entities, including federal, state, county or municipal governments, or any
             231      combination of these agencies.
             232          (15) "Owner" means any person or entity, other than an interest holder, that possesses a
             233      bona fide legal or equitable interest in real or personal property.
             234          (16) (a) "Proceeds" means:
             235          (i) property of any kind that is obtained directly or indirectly as a result of the
             236      commission of an offense that gives rise to forfeiture; and
             237          (ii) any property acquired directly or indirectly from, produced through, realized
             238      through, or caused by an act or omission regarding property under Subsection (16)(a)(i).
             239          (b) "Proceeds" includes any property of any kind without reduction for expenses
             240      incurred in the acquisition, maintenance, or production of that property, or any other purpose
             241      regarding property under Subsection (16)(a)(i).
             242          (c) "Proceeds" is not limited to the net gain or profit realized from the offense that
             243      gives rise to forfeiture.
             244          (17) "Program" means the State Asset Forfeiture Grant Program established in Section


             245      24-4-117 .
             246          (18) "Property" means all property, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, but
             247      does not include contraband.
             248          (19) "Prosecuting attorney" means:
             249          (a) the attorney general and any assistant attorney general;
             250          (b) any district attorney or deputy district attorney;
             251          (c) any county attorney or assistant county attorney; and
             252          (d) any other attorney authorized to commence an action on behalf of the state under
             253      this title.
             254          (20) "Public interest use" means a:
             255          (a) use by a government agency as determined by the legislative body of the agency's
             256      jurisdiction; or
             257          (b) donation of the property to a nonprofit charity registered with the state.
             258          (21) "Real property" means land and includes any building, fixture, improvement,
             259      appurtenance, structure, or other development that is affixed permanently to land.
             260          Section 4. Section 24-1-103 is enacted to read:
             261          24-1-103. Jurisdiction and venue.
             262          (1) A state district court has jurisdiction over any action filed in accordance with this
             263      title regarding:
             264          (a) all interests in property if the property is within this state at the time the action is
             265      filed; and
             266          (b) a claimant's interests in the property, if the claimant is subject to the personal
             267      jurisdiction of the district court.
             268          (2) (a) In addition to the venue provided for under Title 78B, Chapter 3, Part 3, Place
             269      of Trial - Venue, or any other provisions of law, a proceeding for forfeiture under this title may
             270      be maintained in the judicial district in which:
             271          (i) any part of the property is found; or
             272          (ii) a civil or criminal action could be maintained against a claimant for the conduct
             273      alleged to constitute grounds for forfeiture.
             274          (b) A claimant may obtain a change of venue under Section 78B-3-309 .
             275          Section 5. Section 24-2-101 is enacted to read:


             276     
CHAPTER 2. SEIZURE OF PROPERTY

             277          24-2-101. Title.
             278          This chapter is known as "Seizure of Property."
             279          Section 6. Section 24-2-102 is enacted to read:
             280          24-2-102. Grounds for seizing property.
             281          (1) Property may be seized by a peace officer or any other person authorized by law
             282      upon process issued by a court having jurisdiction over the property in accordance with the
             283      Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure relating to search warrants or administrative warrants.
             284          (2) Property may be seized under this chapter when:
             285          (a) the seizure is incident to an arrest;
             286          (b) the property seized is the subject of a prior judgment in favor of the state in a
             287      criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding under this title; or
             288          (c) the peace officer or other person authorized by law has probable cause to believe
             289      that the property:
             290          (i) is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety;
             291          (ii) is evidence of a crime;
             292          (iii) has been used or was intended to be used to commit a crime; or
             293          (iv) is proceeds of a crime.
             294          Section 7. Section 24-2-103 is enacted to read:
             295          24-2-103. Property seized by a peace officer -- Custody and control of property.
             296          (1) (a) When property is seized by a peace officer, the peace officer or the officer's
             297      employing agency shall provide a receipt to the person from whom the property was seized.
             298          (b) The receipt shall describe the:
             299          (i) property seized;
             300          (ii) date of seizure; and
             301          (iii) name and contact information of the officer's employing agency.
             302          (c) A copy of the receipt shall be maintained by the agency.
             303          (d) If custody of the property is transferred to another agency, a copy of the receipt
             304      under Subsection (1)(a) shall be provided with the property.
             305          (2) The agency responsible for maintaining the property shall:
             306          (a) hold all seized property in safe custody until it can be disposed of as provided in


             307      this title; and
             308          (b) maintain a record of the property that includes:
             309          (i) a detailed inventory of all property seized;
             310          (ii) the name of the person from whom it was seized; and
             311          (iii) the agency's case number.
             312          (3) Property seized under this title is not recoverable by replevin, but is considered in
             313      the agency's custody subject only to the orders of the court or the official having jurisdiction.
             314          (4) All controlled substances or other contraband that is seized by a peace officer may
             315      be processed for evidentiary or investigative purposes, including sampling or other preservation
             316      procedure prior to disposal or destruction.
             317          (5) (a) An agency shall deposit property in the form of cash or other readily negotiable
             318      instruments into a separate, restricted, interest-bearing account maintained by the agency solely
             319      for the purpose of managing and protecting the property from commingling, loss, or
             320      devaluation.
             321          (b) Each agency shall have written policies for the identification, tracking,
             322      management, and safekeeping of seized property, which shall include a prohibition against the
             323      transfer, sale, or auction of seized property to any employee of the agency.
             324          (6) If a peace officer or the officer's employing agency records an interview of a minor
             325      child during an investigation of a violation of Section 76-5-402.1 , 76-5-402.3 , 76-5-403.1 , or
             326      76-5-404.1 , the agency shall retain a copy of the recording for 18 years following the date of
             327      the last recording unless the prosecuting attorney requests in writing that the recording be
             328      retained for an additional period of time.
             329          (7) Title 13, Chapter 32a, Pawnshop and Secondhand Merchandise Transaction
             330      Information Act, governs the disposition of property held by a pawn or secondhand business in
             331      the course of its business.
             332          Section 8. Section 24-3-101 is enacted to read:
             333     
CHAPTER 3. PROPERTY HELD AS EVIDENCE

             334          24-3-101. Title.
             335          This chapter is known as "Property Held as Evidence."
             336          Section 9. Section 24-3-102 is enacted to read:
             337          24-3-102. Property received in evidence.


             338          (1) When property is received in evidence by the court, the clerk of the court shall
             339      retain the property or the clerk shall return the property to the custody of the peace officer or
             340      the agency employing the peace officer.
             341          (2) The property shall be retained by the clerk or the officer or the officer's agency until
             342      all direct appeals and retrials are final, at which time the property shall be disposed of in
             343      accordance with this title.
             344          (3) If the prosecuting attorney considers it necessary to retain control over the evidence
             345      in anticipation of possible collateral attacks upon the judgment or for use in a potential
             346      prosecution, the prosecutor may decline to authorize the disposal of the property under this
             347      chapter.
             348          Section 10. Section 24-3-103 is enacted to read:
             349          24-3-103. Property no longer needed as evidence -- Disposition of property.
             350          (1) When the prosecuting attorney determines that property no longer needs to be held
             351      as evidence, the prosecuting attorney may:
             352          (a) petition the court to apply any property that is money towards restitution, fines,
             353      fees, or monetary judgments owed by the owner of the property;
             354          (b) petition the court for an order transferring ownership of any weapons to the seizing
             355      agency for its use and disposal as the seizing agency determines, if the owner:
             356          (i) is the person who committed the crime for which the weapon was seized; or
             357          (ii) may not lawfully possess the weapon; or
             358          (c) notify the agency that has possession of the property that the property may be:
             359          (i) returned to the rightful owner, if the rightful owner may lawfully possess it; or
             360          (ii) disposed of, if the property is contraband.
             361          (2) The agency shall exercise due diligence in attempting to notify the rightful owner of
             362      the property to advise the owner that the property is to be returned.
             363          (3) Before the agency may release property to a person claiming ownership of the
             364      property, the person shall establish to the agency that the person:
             365          (a) is the rightful owner; and
             366          (b) may lawfully possess the property.
             367          (4) (a) When property is returned to the owner, a receipt listing in detail the property
             368      returned shall be signed by the owner.


             369          (b) The receipt shall be retained by the agency and a copy shall be provided to the
             370      owner.
             371          (5) If the agency is unable to locate the rightful owner of the property or if the rightful
             372      owner is not entitled to lawfully possess the property, the agency may:
             373          (a) apply the property to a public interest use;
             374          (b) sell the property at public auction and apply the proceeds of the sale to a public
             375      interest use; or
             376          (c) destroy the property if it is unfit for a public interest use or for sale.
             377          (6) Before applying the property or the proceeds from the sale of the property to a
             378      public interest use, the agency shall obtain from the legislative body of its jurisdiction:
             379          (a) permission to apply the property or the proceeds to public interest use; and
             380          (b) the designation and approval of the public interest use of the property or the
             381      proceeds.
             382          Section 11. Section 24-3-104 is enacted to read:
             383          24-3-104. Petition to return property held as evidence.
             384          (1) (a) A person claiming ownership of property held as evidence may file a petition
             385      with the court for the return of the property.
             386          (b) The petition may be filed in:
             387          (i) the court in which criminal proceedings have commenced regarding the conduct for
             388      which the property is held as evidence; or
             389          (ii) the district court of the jurisdiction where the property was seized, if there are no
             390      pending criminal proceedings.
             391          (c) A copy of the petition shall be served on the prosecuting attorney and the agency
             392      which has possession of the property.
             393          (2) The court shall provide an opportunity for an expedited hearing. After the
             394      opportunity for an expedited hearing, the court may order that the property be:
             395          (a) returned to the rightful owner as determined by the court;
             396          (b) applied directly or by proceeds of the sale of the property toward restitution, fines,
             397      or fees owed by the rightful owner in an amount set by the court;
             398          (c) converted to a public interest use;
             399          (d) held for further legal action;


             400          (e) sold at public auction and the proceeds of the sale applied to a public interest use;
             401      or
             402          (f) destroyed.
             403          (3) Before the court can order property be returned to a person claiming ownership of
             404      property, the person shall establish by clear and convincing evidence that the person:
             405          (a) is the rightful owner; and
             406          (b) may lawfully possess the property.
             407          (4) If the court orders the property to be returned, the agency that possesses the
             408      property shall return the property to the claimant as expeditiously as possible.
             409          Section 12. Section 24-4-101 is enacted to read:
             410     
CHAPTER 4. PROPERTY HELD FOR FORFEITURE

             411          24-4-101. Title.
             412          This chapter is known as "Property Held for Forfeiture."
             413          Section 13. Section 24-4-102 is enacted to read:
             414          24-4-102. Property subject to forfeiture.
             415          (1) Except as provided in Subsection (3), all property that has been used to facilitate
             416      the commission of a federal or state offense and any proceeds of criminal activity may be
             417      forfeited under this chapter, including:
             418          (a) real property, including things growing on, affixed to, and found in land; and
             419          (b) tangible and intangible personal property, including money, rights, privileges,
             420      interests, claims, and securities of any kind.
             421          (2) If the property is used to facilitate a violation of Section 76-10-1204 , 76-10-1205 ,
             422      76-10-1206 , or 76-10-1222 , the property subject to forfeiture under this section is limited to
             423      property, the seizure or forfeiture of which would not constitute a prior restraint on the exercise
             424      of an affected party's rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States
             425      or Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 15, or would not otherwise unlawfully interfere with the
             426      exercise of those rights.
             427          (3) A motor vehicle used in a violation of Section 41-6a-502 , 41-6a-517 , a local
             428      ordinance that complies with the requirements of Subsection 41-6a-510 (1), Subsection
             429      58-37-8 (2)(g), or Section 76-5-207 may not be forfeited unless:
             430          (a) the operator of the vehicle has previously been convicted of a violation, committed


             431      after May 12, 2009, of:
             432          (i) a felony driving under the influence violation under Section 41-6a-502 ;
             433          (ii) a felony violation under Subsection 58-37-8 (2)(g); or
             434          (iii) automobile homicide under Section 76-5-207 ; or
             435          (b) the operator of the vehicle was driving on a denied, suspended, revoked, or
             436      disqualified license; and
             437          (i) the denial, suspension, revocation, or disqualification under Subsection (3)(c) was
             438      imposed because of a violation under:
             439          (A) Section 41-6a-502 ;
             440          (B) Section 41-6a-517 ;
             441          (C) a local ordinance that complies with the requirements of Subsection 41-6a-510 (1);
             442          (D) Section 41-6a-520 ;
             443          (E) Subsection 58-37-8 (2)(g);
             444          (F) Section 76-5-207 ; or
             445          (G) a criminal prohibition that the person was charged with violating as a result of a
             446      plea bargain after having been originally charged with violating one or more of the sections or
             447      ordinances described in Subsections (3)(b)(i)(A) through (F); or
             448          (ii) the denial, suspension, revocation, or disqualification described in Subsections
             449      (3)(b)(i)(A) through (G):
             450          (A) is an extension imposed under Subsection 53-3-220 (2) of a denial, suspension,
             451      revocation, or disqualification; and
             452          (B) the original denial, suspension, revocation, or disqualification was imposed
             453      because of a violation described in Subsections (3)(b)(i)(A) through (G).
             454          Section 14. Section 24-4-103 is enacted to read:
             455          24-4-103. Initiating forfeiture proceedings -- Notice of intent to seek forfeiture.
             456          (1) (a) Within 30 days from the date that property is seized, an agency seeking to forfeit
             457      property shall serve a notice of intent to seek forfeiture upon any claimants known to the
             458      agency.
             459          (b) The notice of intent to seek forfeiture shall describe the:
             460          (i) date of the seizure;
             461          (ii) property seized;


             462          (iii) claimant's rights and obligations under this chapter, including the availability of
             463      hardship relief in appropriate circumstances; and
             464          (iv) statutory basis for the forfeiture, including the judicial proceedings by which
             465      property may be forfeited under this chapter.
             466          (c) The notice of intent to seek forfeiture shall be served by:
             467          (i) certified mail, return receipt requested, to the claimant's known address; or
             468          (ii) personal service.
             469          (d) The court may void any forfeiture made without notice under Subsection (1)(a),
             470      unless the agency demonstrates:
             471          (i) good cause for the failure to give notice to the claimant; or
             472          (ii) that the claimant had actual notice of the seizure.
             473          (2) (a) Once the agency has served each claimant with a notice of intent to seek
             474      forfeiture, but no later than 60 days from the date that property is seized, the agency shall
             475      present a written request for forfeiture to the prosecuting attorney.
             476          (b) The written request shall:
             477          (i) describe the property to be forfeited; and
             478          (ii) include a copy of all reports, supporting documents, and other evidence necessary
             479      for the prosecuting attorney to determine the legal sufficiency for filing a forfeiture action.
             480          Section 15. Section 24-4-104 is enacted to read:
             481          24-4-104. Civil forfeiture procedure.
             482          (1) (a) Within 90 days from the date the property is seized, the prosecuting attorney
             483      may elect to file a complaint for civil forfeiture in the appropriate district court.
             484          (b) The complaint shall describe with reasonable particularity the:
             485          (i) property that is the subject of the forfeiture proceeding;
             486          (ii) date and place of seizure; and
             487          (iii) factual allegations that constitute a basis for forfeiture.
             488          (2) (a) After the complaint is filed, the prosecuting attorney shall serve a copy of the
             489      complaint and summons upon each claimant known to the prosecuting attorney within 30 days.
             490          (b) Service of the complaint and summons shall be by:
             491          (i) personal service;
             492          (ii) certified mail, return receipt requested, to the claimant's known address; or


             493          (iii) if the prosecuting attorney demonstrates to the court that service cannot reasonably
             494      be made by personal service or certified mail, the court may then allow service by electronic
             495      publication on Utah's Public Legal Notice Website established in Subsection 45-1-101 (2)(b).
             496          (c) Service is effective upon the earlier of:
             497          (i) personal service;
             498          (ii) mailing of a written notice; or
             499          (iii) electronic publication.
             500          (d) Upon motion of the prosecuting attorney and a showing of good cause, the court
             501      may extend the period to complete service under this section for an additional 60 days.
             502          (3) (a) In any case where the prosecuting attorney files a complaint for forfeiture, a
             503      claimant may file an answer to the complaint.
             504          (b) The answer shall be filed within 30 days after the complaint is served upon the
             505      claimant as provided in Subsection (2)(b).
             506          (4) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, forfeiture proceedings are governed
             507      by the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             508          (5) The court shall take all reasonable steps to expedite civil forfeiture proceedings and
             509      shall give these proceedings the same priority as is given to criminal cases.
             510          (6) In all suits or actions brought under this section for the civil forfeiture of any
             511      property, the burden of proof is on the prosecuting attorney to establish by clear and convincing
             512      evidence the extent to which, if any, the property is subject to forfeiture.
             513          (7) A claimant may file an answer to a complaint for civil forfeiture without posting
             514      bond with respect to the property subject to forfeiture.
             515          Section 16. Section 24-4-105 is enacted to read:
             516          24-4-105. Criminal forfeiture procedure.
             517          (1) If a claimant is criminally prosecuted for conduct giving rise to the forfeiture, the
             518      prosecuting attorney may elect to seek forfeiture of the claimant's interest in the property
             519      through the criminal case.
             520          (2) If the prosecuting attorney elects to seek forfeiture of the claimant's interest in the
             521      property through the criminal case, the information or indictment shall state that the claimant's
             522      interest in the property is subject to forfeiture and the basis for the forfeiture.
             523          (3) (a) Upon application of the prosecuting attorney, the court may enter restraining


             524      orders or injunctions, or take other reasonable actions to preserve for forfeiture under this
             525      section, any property subject to forfeiture if, after notice to known claimants and claimants who
             526      can be identified after due diligence and who are known to have an interest in the property, and
             527      after affording those persons an opportunity for a hearing, the court determines that:
             528          (i) there is a substantial probability that the state will prevail on the issue of forfeiture
             529      and that failure to enter the order will result in the property being sold, transferred, destroyed,
             530      or removed from the jurisdiction of the court or otherwise made unavailable for forfeiture; and
             531          (ii) the need to preserve the availability of the property or prevent its sale, transfer,
             532      destruction, or removal through the entry of the requested order outweighs the hardship against
             533      any party against whom the order is to be entered.
             534          (b) A temporary restraining order may be entered ex parte upon application of the
             535      prosecuting attorney before or after an information or indictment has been filed with respect to
             536      the property, if the prosecuting attorney demonstrates that:
             537          (i) there is probable cause to believe that the property with respect to which the order is
             538      sought would, in the event of a conviction, be subject to forfeiture under this section; and
             539          (ii) provision of notice would jeopardize the availability of the property for forfeiture
             540      or would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation.
             541          (c) The temporary order expires not more than 10 days after entry unless extended for
             542      good cause shown or unless the party against whom it is entered consents to an extension.
             543          (d) After service of the temporary order upon any claimants known to the prosecuting
             544      attorney, a hearing concerning the order entered under this section shall be held as soon as
             545      practicable and prior to the expiration of the temporary order.
             546          (e) The court is not bound by the Utah Rules of Evidence regarding evidence it may
             547      receive and consider at any hearing under this section.
             548          (4) (a) Upon conviction of a claimant for conduct giving rise to criminal forfeiture, the
             549      prosecutor shall ask the finder of fact to make a specific finding as to whether the property or
             550      any part of it is subject to forfeiture.
             551          (b) A determination of whether property is subject to forfeiture under this section shall
             552      be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
             553          (5) (a) Upon conviction of a claimant for violating any provision of state law
             554      subjecting a claimant's property to forfeiture and a finding by the trier of fact that the property


             555      is subject to forfeiture, the court shall enter a judgment and order the property forfeited to the
             556      state upon the terms stated by the court in its order.
             557          (b) Following the entry of an order declaring property forfeited, the court may, upon
             558      application of the prosecuting attorney, enter appropriate restraining orders or injunctions,
             559      require the execution of satisfactory performance bonds, appoint receivers, conservators,
             560      appraisers, accountants, or trustees, or take any other action to protect the interest of the state in
             561      property ordered forfeited.
             562          (6) (a) (i) After property is ordered forfeited under this section, the seizing agency shall
             563      direct the disposition of the property under Section 24-4-115 .
             564          (ii) Any property right or interest under this Subsection (6)(a) not exercisable by or
             565      transferable for value to the state expires and does not revert to the defendant.
             566          (iii) The defendant or any person acting in concert with or on behalf of the defendant is
             567      not eligible to purchase forfeited property at any sale held by the seizing agency unless
             568      approved by the judge.
             569          (b) The court may stay the sale or disposition of the property pending the conclusion of
             570      any appeal of the criminal case giving rise to the forfeiture if the defendant demonstrates that
             571      proceeding with the sale or disposition of the property may result in irreparable injury, harm, or
             572      loss.
             573          (7) Except as provided under Subsection (3) or (10), a party claiming an interest in
             574      property subject to forfeiture under this section:
             575          (a) may not intervene in a trial or appeal of a criminal case involving the forfeiture of
             576      property under this section; and
             577          (b) may not commence an action at law or equity concerning the validity of the party's
             578      alleged interests in the property subsequent to the filing of an indictment or an information
             579      alleging that the property is subject to forfeiture under this section.
             580          (8) The district court that has jurisdiction of a case under this part may enter orders
             581      under this section without regard to the location of any property that may be subject to
             582      forfeiture under this section or that has been ordered forfeited under this section.
             583          (9) To facilitate the identification or location of property declared forfeited and to
             584      facilitate the disposition of petitions for remission or mitigation of forfeiture after the entry of
             585      an order declaring property forfeited to the state, the court may, upon application of the


             586      prosecuting attorney, order that the testimony of any witness relating to the forfeited property
             587      be taken by deposition, and that any book, paper, document, record, recording, or other
             588      material shall be produced as provided for depositions and discovery under the Utah Rules of
             589      Civil Procedure.
             590          (10) (a) (i) Following the entry of an order of forfeiture under this section, the
             591      prosecuting attorney shall publish notice of the order's intent to dispose of the property by
             592      electronic publication on Utah's Public Legal Notice Website established in Subsection
             593      45-1-101 (2)(b).
             594          (ii) The prosecuting attorney shall also send written notice to any claimants, other than
             595      the defendant, known to the prosecuting attorney to have an interest in the property, at the
             596      claimant's last known address.
             597          (b) (i) Any claimant, other than the defendant, asserting a legal interest in property that
             598      has been ordered forfeited to the state under this section may, within 30 days after the notice
             599      has been published or the claimant receives the written notice under Subsection (10)(a),
             600      whichever is earlier, petition the court for a hearing to adjudicate the validity of the claimant's
             601      alleged interest in the property.
             602          (ii) Any genuine issue of material fact, including issues of standing, may be tried to a
             603      jury upon demand of any party.
             604          (c) The petition shall:
             605          (i) be in writing and signed by the claimant under penalty of perjury;
             606          (ii) set forth the nature and extent of the claimant's right, title, or interest in the
             607      property, the time and circumstances of the claimant's acquisition of the right, title, or interest
             608      in the property; and
             609          (iii) set forth any additional facts supporting the claimant's claim and the relief sought.
             610          (d) The trial or hearing on the petition shall be expedited to the extent practicable. The
             611      court may consolidate a trial or hearing on the petition and any petition filed by any claimant
             612      other than the defendant under this section. The court shall permit the parties to conduct
             613      pretrial discovery pursuant to the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure.
             614          (e) (i) At the trial or hearing, the claimant may testify and present evidence and
             615      witnesses on the claimant's own behalf and cross-examine witnesses who appear at the hearing.
             616      The prosecuting attorney may present evidence and witnesses in rebuttal and in defense of the


             617      claim to the property and cross-examine witnesses who appear.
             618          (ii) In addition to testimony and evidence presented at the trial or hearing, the court
             619      may consider the relevant portion of the record of the criminal case that resulted in the order of
             620      forfeiture.
             621          (iii) Any trial or hearing shall be conducted pursuant to the Utah Rules of Evidence.
             622          (f) The court shall amend the order of forfeiture in accordance with its determination, if
             623      after the trial or hearing, the court or jury determines that the petitioner has established by a
             624      preponderance of the evidence that:
             625          (i) the claimant has a legal right, title, or interest in the property, and the right, title, or
             626      interest renders the order of forfeiture invalid in whole or in part because the right, title, or
             627      interest was vested in the claimant rather than the defendant or was superior to any right, title,
             628      or interest of the defendant at the time of the commission of the acts or conduct that gave rise
             629      to the forfeiture of the property under this section; or
             630          (ii) the claimant acquired the right, title, or interest in the property in a bona fide
             631      transaction for value, and, at the time of acquisition, the claimant did not know that the
             632      property was subject to forfeiture.
             633          (g) Following the court's disposition of all petitions filed under this Subsection (10), or
             634      if no petitions are filed following the expiration of the period provided in Subsection (10)(b)
             635      for the filing of petitions, the state has clear title to property subject to the order of forfeiture
             636      and may warrant good title to any subsequent purchaser or transferee.
             637          Section 17. Section 24-4-106 is enacted to read:
             638          24-4-106. Trial by jury.
             639          The right to trial by jury applies to forfeiture proceedings under this chapter.
             640          Section 18. Section 24-4-107 is enacted to read:
             641          24-4-107. Innocent owners.
             642          (1) An innocent owner's interest in property may not be forfeited.
             643          (2) In a forfeiture proceeding under this chapter, the prosecuting attorney has the
             644      burden of establishing evidence that a claimant:
             645          (a) is responsible for the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture, subject to Subsection (4);
             646          (b) knew of the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture, and allowed the property to be
             647      used in furtherance of the conduct;


             648          (c) acquired the property with notice of its actual or constructive seizure for forfeiture
             649      under this chapter;
             650          (d) acquired the property knowing the property was subject to forfeiture under this
             651      chapter; or
             652          (e) acquired the property in an effort to conceal, prevent, hinder, or delay its lawful
             653      seizure or forfeiture under any provision of state law.
             654          (3) (a) A claimant under this chapter is not required to take steps to prevent illegal use
             655      or criminal activity regarding the property that the claimant reasonably believes would be likely
             656      to result in physical harm or danger to any person.
             657          (b) A claimant may demonstrate that the claimant took reasonable action to prohibit the
             658      illegal use of the property by:
             659          (i) making a timely notification to a law enforcement agency of information that led the
             660      claimant to know that conduct subjecting the property to seizure would occur, was occurring,
             661      or has occurred;
             662          (ii) timely revoking or attempting to revoke permission to use the property regarding
             663      those engaging in the illegal conduct; or
             664          (iii) taking reasonable actions to discourage or prevent the illegal use of the property.
             665          (4) If the state relies on Subsection (2)(a) to establish that a claimant is not an innocent
             666      owner, and if the claimant is criminally charged with the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture
             667      and is acquitted of that charge on the merits:
             668          (a) the property subject to the forfeiture or the open market value of the property, if the
             669      property has been disposed of under Subsection 24-4-108 (13), shall be returned to the
             670      claimant; and
             671          (b) any payments required under this chapter regarding holding the property shall be
             672      paid to the claimant.
             673          (5) A person may not assert under this chapter an ownership interest in contraband.
             674          (6) Property is presumed to be subject to forfeiture under this chapter if the prosecuting
             675      attorney establishes that:
             676          (a) the claimant has engaged in conduct giving cause for forfeiture;
             677          (b) the property was acquired by the claimant during that period of the conduct giving
             678      cause for forfeiture or within a reasonable time after that period; and


             679          (c) there was no likely source for the purchase or acquisition of the property other than
             680      the conduct giving cause for forfeiture.
             681          (7) A finding that property is the proceeds of conduct giving cause for forfeiture does
             682      not require proof that the property was the proceeds of any particular exchange or transaction.
             683          Section 19. Section 24-4-108 is enacted to read:
             684          24-4-108. Release of property held for forfeiture on certain grounds.
             685          (1) After the seizing agency gives notice that the property is to be held for forfeiture, a
             686      person or entity may not alienate, convey, sequester, or attach that property until the court
             687      issues a final order of dismissal or an order of forfeiture regarding the property.
             688          (2) The seizing agency or the prosecuting attorney may authorize the release of
             689      property held for forfeiture to a claimant if retention of actual custody is unnecessary.
             690          (3) With the consent of a court of competent jurisdiction, the prosecuting attorney may
             691      discontinue forfeiture proceedings and transfer the action to another state or federal agency that
             692      has initiated forfeiture proceedings involving the same property.
             693          (4) Property held for forfeiture is considered to be in the custody of the district court
             694      and subject only to:
             695          (a) the orders and decrees of the court having jurisdiction over the property or the
             696      forfeiture proceedings; and
             697          (b) the acts of the agency that possesses the property or the prosecuting attorney
             698      pursuant to this chapter.
             699          (5) (a) A claimant may obtain release of property held for forfeiture by posting with the
             700      district court a surety bond or cash in an amount equal to the current fair market value of the
             701      property as determined by the court or by the parties' stipulation.
             702          (b) The district court may refuse to order the release of the property if:
             703          (i) the bond tendered is inadequate;
             704          (ii) the property is contraband or is retained as evidence; or
             705          (iii) the property is particularly altered or designed for use in conduct giving cause for
             706      forfeiture.
             707          (c) If a surety bond or cash is posted and the court later determines that the property is
             708      subject to forfeiture, the court shall order the forfeiture of the surety bond or cash in lieu of the
             709      property.


             710          (6) A claimant is entitled to the immediate release of property held for forfeiture
             711      pending the final determination of forfeiture if:
             712          (a) the claimant had a possessory interest in the property at the time of seizure;
             713          (b) continued possession by the agency or the state pending the final disposition of the
             714      forfeiture proceedings will cause substantial hardship to the claimant, such as:
             715          (i) preventing the functioning of a legitimate business;
             716          (ii) preventing any individual from working;
             717          (iii) preventing any child from attending elementary or secondary school;
             718          (iv) preventing or hindering any person from receiving necessary medical care;
             719          (v) hindering the care of an elderly or disabled dependent child or adult;
             720          (vi) leaving any individual homeless; or
             721          (vii) any other condition that the court determines causes a substantial hardship;
             722          (c) the hardship from the continued possession of the property by the agency outweighs
             723      the risk that the property will be destroyed, damaged, lost, concealed, or transferred if it is
             724      returned to the claimant during the pendency of the proceeding; and
             725          (d) determination of substantial hardship under this Subsection (6) is based upon the
             726      property's use prior to the seizure.
             727          (7) After the seizing agency gives notice that the property is to be held for forfeiture, a
             728      claimant may file a motion for hardship release:
             729          (a) in the court in which forfeiture proceedings have commenced; or
             730          (b) in any district court having jurisdiction over the property, if forfeiture proceedings
             731      have not yet commenced.
             732          (8) The motion for hardship release shall also be served upon the prosecuting attorney
             733      or the seizing agency within 10 days after filing the motion.
             734          (9) The court shall render a decision on a motion for hardship filed under this section
             735      not later than 20 days after the date of filing, or 10 days after service upon the prosecuting
             736      attorney or seizing agency, whichever is earlier, unless this period is extended by the agreement
             737      of both parties or by the court for good cause shown.
             738          (10) (a) If the claimant demonstrates substantial hardship pursuant to this section, the
             739      court shall order the property immediately released to the claimant pending completion of
             740      proceedings by the government to obtain forfeiture of the property.


             741          (b) The court may place conditions on release of the property as it finds necessary and
             742      appropriate to preserve the availability of the property or its equivalent for forfeiture.
             743          (11) The hardship release under this section does not apply to:
             744          (a) contraband;
             745          (b) currency or other monetary instrument or electronic funds; or
             746          (c) property that is likely to be used to commit additional illegal acts if returned to the
             747      claimant.
             748          (12) (a) The court may order property that is held for forfeiture to be sold, as allowed
             749      by Subsection (13), leased, rented, or operated to satisfy a specified interest of any claimant, or
             750      to preserve the interests of any party on motion of that party.
             751          (b) The court may enter orders under Subsection (12)(a) after written notice to persons
             752      known to have an interest in the property, and after an opportunity for a hearing.
             753          (13) (a) A sale may be ordered under Subsection (12) when the property is liable to
             754      perish, waste, or be significantly reduced in value, or when the expenses of maintaining the
             755      property are disproportionate to its value.
             756          (b) A third party designated by the court shall dispose of the property by commercially
             757      reasonable public sale and distribute the proceeds in the following order of priority:
             758          (i) first, for the payment of reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the sale;
             759          (ii) second, for the satisfaction of any interests, including those of interest holders, in
             760      the order of their priority as determined by Title 70A, Uniform Commercial Code; and
             761          (iii) third, any balance of the proceeds shall be preserved in the actual or constructive
             762      custody of the court, in an interest-bearing account, subject to further proceedings under this
             763      chapter.
             764          Section 20. Section 24-4-109 is enacted to read:
             765          24-4-109. Postjudgment interest.
             766          In any proceeding to forfeit currency or other negotiable instruments under this chapter,
             767      the court shall award a prevailing party postjudgment interest on the currency or negotiable
             768      instruments at the interest rate established under Section 15-1-4 .
             769          Section 21. Section 24-4-110 is enacted to read:
             770          24-4-110. Attorney fees and costs.
             771          (1) In any forfeiture proceeding under this chapter, the court may award a prevailing


             772      party reasonable:
             773          (a) legal costs; and
             774          (b) attorney fees.
             775          (2) The legal costs and attorney fees awarded by the court to the prevailing party may
             776      not exceed 20% of the value of the property.
             777          (3) A party that prevails only in part is entitled to recover reasonable legal costs and
             778      attorney fees only on those issues on which the party prevailed.
             779          Section 22. Section 24-4-111 is enacted to read:
             780          24-4-111. Compensation for damaged property.
             781          (1) If property seized for forfeiture is returned by operation of this chapter, a claimant
             782      has a civil right of action against a seizing agency for any claim based upon the negligent
             783      destruction, loss, damage, or other injury to seized property while in the possession or custody
             784      of the agency.
             785          (2) As used in this section, "damage or other injury" does not include normal
             786      depreciation, deterioration, or ordinary wear and tear.
             787          Section 23. Section 24-4-112 is enacted to read:
             788          24-4-112. Limitation on fees for holding seized property.
             789          In any civil or criminal proceeding under this chapter in which a judgment is entered in
             790      favor of a claimant, or where a forfeiture proceeding against a claimant is voluntarily dismissed
             791      by the prosecuting attorney, the seizing agency may not charge that claimant any fee or cost for
             792      holding seized property.
             793          Section 24. Section 24-4-113 is enacted to read:
             794          24-4-113. Proportionality.
             795          (1) (a) A claimant's interest in property that is used to facilitate a crime, excluding
             796      contraband, is not subject to forfeiture under any provision of state law if the forfeiture is
             797      substantially disproportionate to the use of the property in committing or facilitating a violation
             798      of state law and the value of the property.
             799          (b) Forfeiture of property used solely in a manner that is merely incidental and not
             800      instrumental to the commission or facilitation of a violation of law is not proportional.
             801          (2) (a) In determining proportionality, the court shall consider:
             802          (i) the conduct giving cause for the forfeiture;


             803          (ii) what portion of the forfeiture, if any, is remedial in nature;
             804          (iii) the gravity of the conduct for which the claimant is responsible in light of the
             805      offense; and
             806          (iv) the value of the property.
             807          (b) If the court finds that the forfeiture is substantially disproportional to the conduct
             808      for which the claimant is responsible, it shall reduce or eliminate the forfeiture, as it finds
             809      appropriate.
             810          (3) The prosecuting attorney has the burden to demonstrate that any forfeiture is
             811      proportional to the conduct giving rise to the forfeiture.
             812          (4) In all cases the court shall decide questions of proportionality.
             813          (5) Forfeiture of any proceeds is proportional.
             814          Section 25. Section 24-4-114 is enacted to read:
             815          24-4-114. Transfer and sharing procedures.
             816          (1) (a) Seizing agencies or prosecuting attorneys authorized to bring forfeiture
             817      proceedings under this chapter may not directly or indirectly transfer property held for
             818      forfeiture and not already named in a criminal indictment to any federal agency or any
             819      governmental entity not created under and subject to state law unless:
             820          (i) the conduct giving rise to the investigation or seizure is interstate in nature and
             821      sufficiently complex to justify the transfer;
             822          (ii) the property may only be forfeited under federal law; or
             823          (iii) pursuing forfeiture under state law would unreasonably burden prosecuting
             824      attorneys or state law enforcement agencies.
             825          (b) In making a determination under this section, a court may conduct an in camera
             826      inspection of evidence provided by the prosecuting attorney or seizing agency.
             827          (2) All property, money, or other things of value received by an agency pursuant to
             828      federal law, which authorizes the sharing or transfer of all or a portion of forfeited property or
             829      the proceeds of the sale of forfeited property to an agency:
             830          (a) shall be used in compliance with federal laws and regulations relating to equitable
             831      sharing;
             832          (b) may be used for those law enforcement purposes specified in Subsection
             833      24-4-117 (9); and


             834          (c) may not be used for those law enforcement purposes prohibited in Subsection
             835      24-4-117 (10).
             836          (3) A state or local law enforcement agency awarded any equitable share of property
             837      forfeited by the federal government may only use the award money after approval of the use by
             838      the agency's legislative body.
             839          (4) Each year, every agency awarded any equitable share of property forfeited by the
             840      federal government shall file with the commission:
             841          (a) a copy of that agency's federal equitable sharing certification; and
             842          (b) information, on a form provided by the commission, that details all awards received
             843      from the federal government during the preceding reporting period, including:
             844          (i) the agency's case number or other identification;
             845          (ii) the amount of the award;
             846          (iii) the date of the award;
             847          (iv) the identity of any federal agency involved in the forfeiture;
             848          (v) how the awarded property has been used; and
             849          (vi) a statement signed by both the agency's executive officer or designee and by the
             850      agency's legal counsel confirming that the agency has only used the awarded property for crime
             851      reduction or law enforcement purposes authorized under Section 24-4-117 , and only upon
             852      approval by the agency's legislative body.
             853          Section 26. Section 24-4-115 is enacted to read:
             854          24-4-115. Disposition and allocation of forfeiture property.
             855          (1) Upon finding that property is subject to forfeiture under this chapter, the court shall
             856      order the property forfeited to the state.
             857          (2) (a) If the property is not currency, the seizing agency shall authorize a public or
             858      otherwise commercially reasonable sale of that property that is not required by law to be
             859      destroyed and that is not harmful to the public.
             860          (b) If the property forfeited is an alcoholic product as defined in Section 32B-1-102 , it
             861      shall be disposed of as follows:
             862          (i) an alcoholic product shall be sold if the alcoholic product is:
             863          (A) unadulterated, pure, and free from any crude, unrectified, or impure form of ethylic
             864      alcohol, or any other deleterious substance or liquid; and


             865          (B) otherwise in saleable condition; or
             866          (ii) an alcoholic product and its package shall be destroyed if the alcoholic product is
             867      impure, adulterated, or otherwise unfit for sale.
             868          (c) If the property forfeited is a cigarette or other tobacco product as defined in Section
             869      59-14-102 , it shall be destroyed, except that prior to the destruction of any cigarette or other
             870      tobacco product seized pursuant to this part, the lawful holder of the trademark rights in the
             871      cigarette or tobacco product brand shall be permitted to inspect the cigarette.
             872          (d) The proceeds of the sale of forfeited property shall remain segregated from other
             873      property, equipment, or assets of the seizing agency until transferred to the state in accordance
             874      with this chapter.
             875          (3) From the forfeited property, both currency and the proceeds or revenue from the
             876      sale of the property, the seizing agency shall:
             877          (a) deduct the seizing agency's direct costs and expenses of obtaining and maintaining
             878      the property pending forfeiture; and
             879          (b) pay the legal costs and attorney fees associated with the litigation of the forfeiture
             880      proceeding.
             881          (4) If the forfeiture arises from any violation relating to wildlife resources, the
             882      remaining currency and the proceeds or revenue from the sale of the property shall be deposited
             883      in the Wildlife Resources Account created in Section 23-14-13 .
             884          (5) The remaining currency and the proceeds or revenue from the sale of the property
             885      shall then be transferred to the commission and deposited into the account.
             886          Section 27. Section 24-4-116 is enacted to read:
             887          24-4-116. Criminal Forfeiture Restricted Account.
             888          (1) There is created within the General Fund a restricted account known as the
             889      "Criminal Forfeiture Restricted Account."
             890          (2) Proceeds from forfeited property and forfeited money through state forfeitures shall
             891      be deposited into the account.
             892          (3) Money in the account shall be appropriated to the commission for implementing the
             893      program under Section 24-4-117 .
             894          Section 28. Section 24-4-117 is enacted to read:
             895          24-4-117. State Asset Forfeiture Grant Program.


             896          (1) There is created the State Asset Forfeiture Grant Program.
             897          (2) The program shall fund crime prevention and law enforcement activities that have
             898      the purpose of:
             899          (a) deterring crime by depriving criminals of the profits and proceeds of their illegal
             900      activities;
             901          (b) weakening criminal enterprises by removing the instrumentalities of crime;
             902          (c) reducing crimes involving substance abuse by supporting the creation,
             903      administration, or operation of drug court programs throughout the state;
             904          (d) encouraging cooperation between local, state, and multijurisdictional law
             905      enforcement agencies;
             906          (e) allowing the costs and expenses of law enforcement to be defrayed by the forfeited
             907      proceeds of crime; and
             908          (f) increasing the equitability and accountability of the use of forfeited property used to
             909      assist law enforcement in reducing and preventing crime.
             910          (3) (a) When property is forfeited under this chapter and transferred to the account, the
             911      commission shall allocate and administer grants from the account to state, local, or
             912      multijurisdictional law enforcement agencies or political subdivisions of the state in
             913      compliance with this section and to further the program purposes under Subsection (2).
             914          (b) The commission may retain up to 3% of the annual appropriation from the account
             915      to pay for administrative costs incurred by the commission, including salary and benefits,
             916      equipment, supplies, or travel costs that are directly related to the administration of the
             917      program.
             918          (4) Agencies or political subdivisions shall apply for an award from the program by
             919      completing and submitting forms specified by the commission.
             920          (5) In granting the awards, the commission shall ensure that the amount of each award
             921      takes into consideration the:
             922          (a) demonstrated needs of the agency;
             923          (b) demonstrated ability of the agency to appropriately use the award;
             924          (c) degree to which the agency's need is offset through the agency's participation in
             925      federal equitable sharing or through other federal and state grant programs; and
             926          (d) agency's cooperation with other state and local agencies and task forces.


             927          (6) Applying agencies or political subdivisions shall demonstrate compliance with all
             928      reporting and policy requirements applicable under this chapter and under Title 63M, Chapter
             929      7, Criminal Justice and Substance Abuse, in order to qualify as a potential award recipient.
             930          (7) (a) Recipient law enforcement agencies may only use award money after approval
             931      by the agency's legislative body.
             932          (b) The award money is nonlapsing.
             933          (8) A recipient law enforcement agency or political subdivision shall use awards only
             934      for law enforcement purposes as described in this section, and only as these purposes are
             935      specified by the agency or political subdivision in its application for the award.
             936          (9) Permissible law enforcement purposes for which award money may be used
             937      include:
             938          (a) controlled substance interdiction and enforcement activities;
             939          (b) drug court programs;
             940          (c) activities calculated to enhance future law enforcement investigations;
             941          (d) law enforcement training that includes:
             942          (i) implementation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and
             943      Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 7, and that addresses the protection of the individual's
             944      right of due process;
             945          (ii) protection of the rights of innocent property holders; and
             946          (iii) the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution regarding states'
             947      sovereignty and the states' reserved rights;
             948          (e) law enforcement or detention facilities;
             949          (f) law enforcement operations or equipment that are not routine costs or operational
             950      expenses;
             951          (g) drug, gang, or crime prevention education programs that are sponsored in whole or
             952      in part by the law enforcement agency or its legislative body;
             953          (h) matching funds for other state or federal law enforcement grants; and
             954          (i) the payment of legal costs, attorney fees, and postjudgment interest in forfeiture
             955      actions.
             956          (10) Law enforcement purposes for which award money may not be granted or used
             957      include:


             958          (a) payment of salaries, retirement benefits, or bonuses to any person;
             959          (b) payment of expenses not related to law enforcement;
             960          (c) uses not specified in the agency's award application;
             961          (d) uses not approved by the agency's legislative body;
             962          (e) payments, transfers, or pass-through funding to entities other than law enforcement
             963      agencies; or
             964          (f) uses, payments, or expenses that are not within the scope of the agency's functions.
             965          (11) (a) For each fiscal year, any state, local, or multijurisdictional agency or political
             966      subdivision that received an award shall prepare, and file with the commission, a report in a
             967      form specified by the commission.
             968          (b) The report shall include the following regarding each award:
             969          (i) the agency's name;
             970          (ii) the amount of the award;
             971          (iii) the date of the award;
             972          (iv) how the award has been used; and
             973          (v) a statement signed by both the agency's or political subdivision's executive officer
             974      or designee and by the agency's legal counsel, that:
             975          (A) the agency or political subdivision has complied with all inventory, policy, and
             976      reporting requirements of this chapter; and
             977          (B) all awards were used for crime reduction or law enforcement purposes as specified
             978      in the application and only upon approval by the agency's or political subdivision's legislative
             979      body.
             980          (12) (a) The commission shall report in writing to the legislative Law Enforcement and
             981      Criminal Justice Interim Committee annually regarding the forfeited property transferred to the
             982      account, awards made by the program, uses of program awards, and any equitable share of
             983      property forfeited by the federal government as reported by agencies pursuant to Subsection
             984      24-4-114 (4).
             985          (b) The report shall be submitted annually on or before November 1.
             986          Section 29. Section 32B-4-206 is amended to read:
             987           32B-4-206. Searches, seizures, forfeitures, and fines.
             988          [(1) The following are subject to forfeiture pursuant to Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah


             989      Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act:]
             990          [(a) an alcoholic product possessed, purchased, used, stored, sold, offered for sale,
             991      furnished, given, received, warehoused, manufactured, distributed, shipped, carried,
             992      transported, or adulterated in violation of this title or commission rules;]
             993          [(b) a container or property used or intended for use as a container for an alcoholic
             994      product in violation of this title or commission rules;]
             995          [(c) raw materials, products, and equipment used, or intended for use, in
             996      manufacturing, processing, delivering, importing, exporting, or adulterating an alcoholic
             997      product in violation of this title or commission rules;]
             998          [(d) implements, furniture, fixtures, or other personal property used or kept for a
             999      violation of this title or commission rules;]
             1000          [(e) conveyances including an aircraft, vehicle, or vessel used or intended for use, to
             1001      transport or in any manner facilitate the transportation, sale, receipt, possession, or
             1002      concealment of property described in Subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), or (d); and]
             1003          [(f) a record used or intended for use in violation of this title or commission rules.]
             1004          [(2) (a) Property subject to forfeiture under this title may be seized by a peace officer of
             1005      this state or any other person authorized by law upon process issued by a court having
             1006      jurisdiction over the property in accordance with the Utah Rules of Criminal Procedure relating
             1007      to search warrants or administrative warrants.]
             1008          [(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (2)(a), seizure without process may be made when:]
             1009          [(i) the seizure is incident to an arrest or search under a search warrant or an inspection
             1010      under an administrative inspection warrant;]
             1011          [(ii) the property subject to seizure has been the subject of a prior judgment in favor of
             1012      the state in a criminal injunction or forfeiture proceeding under this title;]
             1013          [(iii) the peace officer or other person authorized by law has probable cause to believe
             1014      that the property is directly or indirectly dangerous to health or safety; or]
             1015          [(iv) the peace officer or other person authorized by law has probable cause to believe
             1016      that the property is being or has been used, intended to be used, held, or kept in violation of this
             1017      title or commission rules.]
             1018          [(3) If property is seized pursuant to a search or administrative warrant, a peace officer
             1019      or other person authorized by law shall comply with the requirements of the Utah Rules of


             1020      Criminal Procedure.]
             1021          [(4) (a) If property is seized without process:]
             1022          [(i) the peace officer or other person authorized by law shall make a return of the peace
             1023      officer's or person's acts without delay directly to the district court of the county in which the
             1024      property was located; and]
             1025          [(ii) the district court shall have jurisdiction of the case.]
             1026          [(b) A return shall describe:]
             1027          [(i) the property seized;]
             1028          [(ii) the place where the property is seized; and]
             1029          [(iii) any person in apparent possession of the property.]
             1030          [(c) A peace officer or other person described in Subsection (4)(a) shall promptly:]
             1031          [(i) deliver a written inventory of anything seized to any person in apparent authority at
             1032      the premises where the seizure is made; or]
             1033          [(ii) post a written inventory of anything seized in a conspicuous place at the premises.]
             1034          [(d) A written inventory under this Subsection (4) shall state the place where the
             1035      property is being held.]
             1036          [(5) Property taken or detained under this section is not repleviable but is considered in
             1037      custody of the law enforcement agency making the seizure subject only to the orders of the
             1038      court or the official having jurisdiction. When property is seized under this title, the
             1039      appropriate person or agency may:]
             1040          [(a) place the property under seal;]
             1041          [(b) remove the property to a place designated by:]
             1042          [(i) the person or agency; or]
             1043          [(ii) the warrant under which the property is seized; or]
             1044          [(c) take custody of the property and remove the property to an appropriate location for
             1045      disposition in accordance with law.]
             1046          [(6) When property is subject to forfeiture under this section, a proceeding shall be
             1047      instituted in accordance with Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act.]
             1048          [(7) When property is ordered forfeited under Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah Uniform
             1049      Forfeiture Procedures Act, by a finding of a court that no person is entitled to recover the
             1050      property, the property, if an alcohol container or product used as a container for an alcoholic


             1051      product, shall be disposed of as follows:]
             1052          [(a) An alcoholic product shall be sold in accordance with Section 24-1-17 if the
             1053      alcoholic product is:]
             1054          [(i) unadulterated, pure, and free from crude, unrectified, or impure form of ethylic
             1055      alcohol, or any other deleterious substance or liquid; and]
             1056          [(ii) otherwise in saleable condition.]
             1057          [(b) If the alcoholic product is impure, adulterated, or otherwise unfit for sale, the
             1058      department shall destroy the alcoholic product and its container under competent supervision.]
             1059          [(8)] Except when otherwise provided, a fine or forfeiture levied under this title shall
             1060      be paid to the county treasurer of the county in which the prosecution occurred.
             1061          Section 30. Section 41-6a-527 is amended to read:
             1062           41-6a-527. Seizure and impoundment of vehicles by peace officers -- Impound
             1063      requirements -- Removal of vehicle by owner.
             1064          (1) If a peace officer arrests, cites, or refers for administrative action the operator of a
             1065      vehicle for violating Section 41-6a-502 , 41-6a-517 , 41-6a-518.2 , 41-6a-520 , 41-6a-530 ,
             1066      41-6a-606 , 53-3-231 , 53-3-232 , Subsections 53-3-227 (3)(a)(i) through (vi), Subsection
             1067      53-3-227 (3)(a)(ix), or a local ordinance similar to Section 41-6a-502 which complies with
             1068      Subsection 41-6a-510 (1), the peace officer shall seize and impound the vehicle in accordance
             1069      with Section 41-6a-1406 , except as provided under Subsection (2).
             1070          (2) If a registered owner of the vehicle, other than the operator, is present at the time of
             1071      arrest, the peace officer may release the vehicle to that registered owner, but only if:
             1072          (a) the registered owner:
             1073          (i) requests to remove the vehicle from the scene; and
             1074          (ii) presents to the peace officer sufficient identification to prove ownership of the
             1075      vehicle or motorboat;
             1076          (b) the registered owner identifies a driver with a valid operator's license who:
             1077          (i) complies with all restrictions of his operator's license; and
             1078          (ii) would not, in the judgment of the officer, be in violation of Section 41-6a-502 ,
             1079      41-6a-517 , 41-6a-518.2 , 41-6a-520 , 41-6a-530 , 53-3-231 , 53-3-232 , or a local ordinance
             1080      similar to Section 41-6a-502 which complies with Subsection 41-6a-510 (1) if permitted to
             1081      operate the vehicle; and


             1082          (c) the vehicle itself is legally operable.
             1083          (3) If necessary for transportation of a motorboat for impoundment under this section,
             1084      the motorboat's trailer may be used to transport the motorboat.
             1085          [(4) A motor vehicle is subject to criminal or civil forfeiture under the procedures and
             1086      substantive protections established in Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures
             1087      Act, upon a finding by the court that:]
             1088          [(a) the motor vehicle was used in a violation of Section 41-6a-502 , 41-6a-517 , a local
             1089      ordinance which complies with the requirements of Subsection 41-6a-510 (1), Subsection
             1090      58-37-8 (2)(g), or Section 76-5-207 ;]
             1091          [(b) the operator of the vehicle has previously been convicted of a violation committed
             1092      after May 12, 2009, of:]
             1093          [(i) a felony driving under the influence violation under Section 41-6a-502 ;]
             1094          [(ii) a felony violation of Subsection 58-37-8 (2)(g); or]
             1095          [(iii) automobile homicide under Section 76-5-207 ;]
             1096          [(c) the operator of the vehicle was driving on a denied, suspended, revoked, or
             1097      disqualified license; and]
             1098          [(d) (i) the denial, suspension, revocation, or disqualification under Subsection (4)(c)
             1099      was imposed because of a violation of:]
             1100          [(A) Section 41-6a-502 ;]
             1101          [(B) Section 41-6a-517 ;]
             1102          [(C) a local ordinance which complies with the requirements of Subsection
             1103      41-6a-510 (1);]
             1104          [(D) Section 41-6a-520 ;]
             1105          [(E) Subsection 58-37-8 (2)(g);]
             1106          [(F) Section 76-5-207 ; or]
             1107          [(G) a criminal prohibition that the person was charged with violating as a result of a
             1108      plea bargain after having been originally charged with violating one or more of the sections or
             1109      ordinances described in Subsections (4)(d)(i)(A) through (F); or]
             1110          [(ii) (A) the denial, suspension, revocation, or disqualification described in Subsection
             1111      (4)(c) is an extension imposed under Subsection 53-3-220 (2) of a denial, suspension,
             1112      revocation, or disqualification; and]


             1113          [(B) the original denial, suspension, revocation, or disqualification was imposed
             1114      because of a violation described in Subsection (4)(d)(i)(A) through (G).]
             1115          Section 31. Section 53-7-406 is amended to read:
             1116           53-7-406. Penalties.
             1117          (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (1)(b), a manufacturer, wholesale dealer,
             1118      agent, or any other person or entity who knowingly sells or offers to sell cigarettes, other than
             1119      through retail sale, in violation of Section 53-7-403 :
             1120          (i) for a first offense shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per each
             1121      sale of cigarettes; and
             1122          (ii) for a subsequent offense shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 per
             1123      each sale of such cigarettes.
             1124          (b) A penalty imposed under Subsection (1)(a) may not exceed $100,000 during any
             1125      30-day period against any one entity described in Subsection (1).
             1126          (2) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(b), a retail dealer who knowingly sells
             1127      cigarettes in violation of Section 53-7-403 shall:
             1128          (i) for a first offense for each sale or offer for sale of cigarettes, if the total number of
             1129      cigarettes sold or offered for sale:
             1130          (A) does not exceed 1,000 cigarettes, be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $500
             1131      for each sale or offer of sale; and
             1132          (B) does exceed 1,000 cigarettes, be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for
             1133      each sale or offer of sale; and
             1134          (ii) for a subsequent offense, if the total number of cigarettes sold or offered for sale:
             1135          (A) does not exceed 1,000 cigarettes, be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000
             1136      for each sale or offer of sale; and
             1137          (B) does exceed 1,000 cigarettes, be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 for
             1138      each sale or offer of sale.
             1139          (b) A penalty imposed under Subsection (2)(a) against any retail dealer shall not
             1140      exceed $25,000 during a 30-day period.
             1141          (3) In addition to any penalty prescribed by law, any corporation, partnership, sole
             1142      proprietor, limited partnership, or association engaged in the manufacture of cigarettes that
             1143      knowingly makes a false certification pursuant to Section 53-7-404 shall, for each false


             1144      certification:
             1145          (a) for a first offense, be liable for a civil penalty of at least $75,000; and
             1146          (b) for a subsequent offense, be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $250,000.
             1147          (4) Any person violating any other provision in this part shall be liable for a civil
             1148      penalty for each violation:
             1149          (a) for a first offense, not to exceed $1,000; and
             1150          (b) for a subsequent offense, not to exceed $5,000.
             1151          [(5) Any cigarettes that have been sold or offered for sale that do not comply with the
             1152      performance standard required by Section 53-7-403 shall be subject to forfeiture under Title 24,
             1153      Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act, and, upon being forfeited, shall be
             1154      destroyed, provided, however, that prior to the destruction of any cigarette seized pursuant to
             1155      this part, the true holder of the trademark rights in the cigarette brand shall be permitted to
             1156      inspect the cigarette.]
             1157          [(6)] (5) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, the state fire marshal or
             1158      attorney general may file an action in district court for a violation of this part, including
             1159      petitioning for injunctive relief or to recover any costs or damages suffered by the state because
             1160      of a violation of this part, including enforcement costs relating to the specific violation and
             1161      attorney fees. Each violation of this part or of rules or regulations adopted under this part
             1162      constitutes a separate civil violation for which the state fire marshal or attorney general may
             1163      obtain relief.
             1164          Section 32. Section 63J-1-602.1 is amended to read:
             1165           63J-1-602.1. List of nonlapsing accounts and funds -- General authority and Title
             1166      1 through Title 30.
             1167          (1) Appropriations made to the Legislature and its committees.
             1168          (2) The Percent-for-Art Program created in Section 9-6-404 .
             1169          (3) The Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Support Restricted Account created in
             1170      Section 9-18-102 .
             1171          (4) The LeRay McAllister Critical Land Conservation Program created in Section
             1172      11-38-301 .
             1173          (5) An appropriation made to the Division of Wildlife Resources for the appraisal and
             1174      purchase of lands under the Pelican Management Act, as provided in Section 23-21a-6 .


             1175          (6) Award money under the [Crime Reduction Assistance Program] State Asset
             1176      Forfeiture Grant Program, as provided under Section [ 24-1-19 ] 24-4-117 .
             1177          (7) Funds collected from the emergency medical services grant program, as provided in
             1178      Section 26-8a-207 .
             1179          (8) The Prostate Cancer Support Restricted Account created in Section 26-21a-303 .
             1180          (9) State funds appropriated for matching federal funds in the Children's Health
             1181      Insurance Program as provided in Section 26-40-108 .
             1182          (10) The Utah Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program created in Section
             1183      26-46-102 .
             1184          Section 33. Section 76-6-903 is amended to read:
             1185           76-6-903. Penalties.
             1186          (1) A person is guilty of a class B misdemeanor if that person:
             1187          (a) violates this part; or
             1188          (b) counsels, procures, solicits, or employs any other person to violate this part.
             1189          (2) A person is guilty of a third degree felony if:
             1190          (a) that person commits a second or subsequent violation described in Subsection (1);
             1191      or
             1192          (b) the amount calculated under Subsection (3) for a violation described in Subsection
             1193      (1) exceeds $500.
             1194          (3) The amount described in Subsection (2)(b) is calculated by adding the:
             1195          (a) commercial or archaeological value of the antiquities involved in the violation; and
             1196          (b) cost of the restoration and repair of the antiquities involved in the violation.
             1197          [(4) (a) All property used in conjunction with the criminal activity, together with all
             1198      photographs and records, shall be forfeited to the state.]
             1199          [(b)] (4) All articles and material discovered, collected, excavated, or offered for sale
             1200      or exchange shall be surrendered to the landowner.
             1201          Section 34. Section 76-10-1603.5 is amended to read:
             1202           76-10-1603.5. Violation a felony -- Costs -- Fines -- Divestiture -- Restrictions --
             1203      Dissolution or reorganization -- Prior restraint.
             1204          (1) A person who violates any provision of Section 76-10-1603 is guilty of a second
             1205      degree felony. In addition to penalties prescribed by law, the court may order the person found


             1206      guilty of the felony to pay to the state, if the attorney general brought the action, or to the
             1207      county, if the county attorney or district attorney brought the action, the costs of investigating
             1208      and prosecuting the offense and the costs of securing the forfeitures provided for in this
             1209      section. [The person shall forfeit:]
             1210          [(a) any interest acquired or maintained in violation of any provision of Section
             1211      76-10-1603 ;]
             1212          [(b) any interest in, security of, claim against, or property or contractual right of any
             1213      kind affording a source of influence over any enterprise which the person has established,
             1214      operated, controlled, conducted, or participated in the conduct of in violation of Section
             1215      76-10-1603 ; and]
             1216          [(c) any property constituting or derived from the net proceeds which the person
             1217      obtained, directly or indirectly, from the conduct constituting the pattern of unlawful activity or
             1218      from any act or conduct constituting the pattern of unlawful activity proven as part of the
             1219      violation of any provision of Section 76-10-1603 .]
             1220          [(2) If a violation of Section 76-10-1603 is based on a pattern of unlawful activity
             1221      consisting of acts or conduct in violation of Section 76-10-1204 , 76-10-1205 , 76-10-1206 , or
             1222      76-10-1222 , the property subject to forfeiture under this section is limited to property, the
             1223      seizure or forfeiture of which would not constitute a prior restraint on the exercise of an
             1224      affected party's rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States or
             1225      Utah Constitution Article I, Section 15, or would not otherwise unlawfully interfere with the
             1226      exercise of those rights.]
             1227          [(3)] (2) In lieu of a fine otherwise authorized by law for a violation of Section
             1228      76-10-1603 , a defendant who derives net proceeds from a conduct prohibited by Section
             1229      76-10-1603 may be fined not more than twice the amount of the net proceeds.
             1230          [(4) Property subject to forfeiture in accordance with the procedures and substantive
             1231      protections of Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act:]
             1232          [(a) includes:]
             1233          [(i) real property, including things growing on, affixed to, and found in land; and]
             1234          [(ii) tangible and intangible personal property including money, rights, privileges,
             1235      interests, claims, and securities of any kind; but]
             1236          [(b) does not include property exchanged or to be exchanged for services rendered in


             1237      connection with the defense of the charges or any related criminal case.]
             1238          [(5)] (3) Upon conviction for violating any provision of Section 76-10-1603 , and in
             1239      addition to any penalty prescribed by law [and in addition to any forfeitures provided for in this
             1240      section], the court may do any or all of the following:
             1241          (a) order restitution to any victim or rightful owner of property obtained, directly or
             1242      indirectly, from:
             1243          (i) the conduct constituting the pattern of unlawful activity; or
             1244          (ii) any act or conduct constituting the pattern of unlawful activity that is proven as part
             1245      of the violation of any provision of Section 76-10-1603 ;
             1246          (b) order the person to divest himself of any interest in or any control, direct or
             1247      indirect, of any enterprise;
             1248          (c) impose reasonable restrictions on the future activities or investments of any person,
             1249      including prohibiting the person from engaging in the same type of endeavor as the enterprise
             1250      engaged in, to the extent the Utah Constitution and the Constitution of the United States
             1251      permit; or
             1252          (d) order the dissolution or reorganization of any enterprise.
             1253          [(6)] (4) If a violation of Section 76-10-1603 is based on a pattern of unlawful activity
             1254      consisting of acts or conduct in violation of Section 76-10-1204 , 76-10-1205 , 76-10-1206 , or
             1255      76-10-1222 , the court may not enter any order that would amount to a prior restraint on the
             1256      exercise of an affected party's rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the
             1257      United States or Utah Constitution Article I, Section 15.
             1258          [(7) All rights, title, and interest in forfeitable property described in Subsections (1)
             1259      and (2) are subject to forfeiture proceedings in accordance with the procedures and substantive
             1260      protections of Title 24, Chapter 1, Utah Uniform Forfeiture Procedures Act.]
             1261          [(8)] (5) For purposes of this section, the "net proceeds" of an offense means property
             1262      acquired as a result of the violation minus the direct costs of acquiring the property.
             1263          Section 35. Section 77-24a-1 is repealed and reenacted to read:
             1264     
CHAPTER 24a. LOST OR MISLAID PERSONAL PROPERTY

             1265          77-24a-1. Definition.
             1266          (1) "Lost or mislaid property":
             1267          (a) means any property that comes into the possession of a peace officer or law


             1268      enforcement agency:
             1269          (i) that is not claimed by anyone who is identified as the owner of the property; or
             1270          (ii) for which no owner or interest holder can be found after a reasonable and diligent
             1271      search;
             1272          (b) includes any property received by a peace officer or law enforcement agency from a
             1273      person claiming to have found the property; and
             1274          (c) does not include property seized by a peace officer pursuant to Title 24, Forfeiture
             1275      and Disposition of Property Act.
             1276          (2) "Public interest use" means:
             1277          (a) use by a governmental agency as determined by the agency's legislative body; or
             1278          (b) donation to a nonprofit charity registered with the state.
             1279          Section 36. Section 77-24a-2 is amended to read:
             1280           77-24a-2. Disposition by police agency.
             1281          All [unclaimed] lost or mislaid property coming into the possession of a peace officer
             1282      or law enforcement agency shall be turned over to, held, and disposed of only by the local law
             1283      enforcement agency whose authority extends to the area where the item was found.
             1284          Section 37. Section 77-24a-3 is amended to read:
             1285           77-24a-3. Statement of finder of property.
             1286          (1) A person [finding unclaimed] who finds lost or mislaid property and [delivering]
             1287      delivers it to a local law enforcement agency shall sign a statement included in a form provided
             1288      by the agency, stating [how]:
             1289          (a) the manner in which the property came into [his] the person's possession, including
             1290      the time, date, and place[, and stating that he];
             1291          (b) that the person does not know who [the owner of] owns the property [is, that];
             1292          (c) that, to the person's knowledge, the property was not [to his knowledge] stolen[,
             1293      that his];
             1294          (d) that the person's possession of [it] the property is not unlawful[,]; and [providing]
             1295          (e) any information [he] the person is aware of which could lead to a determination of
             1296      the owner. [Other]
             1297          (2) Additional information may be requested by the agency receiving the [item]
             1298      property, as necessary.


             1299          Section 38. Section 77-24a-4 is amended to read:
             1300           77-24a-4. Locating owner of property.
             1301          (1) The local law enforcement agency shall take reasonable steps to determine the
             1302      identity and location of the owner, and notify [him] the owner that the property is in custody.
             1303          (2) The owner may obtain the property only by [making identification of himself and
             1304      of] providing personal identification, identifying the property, and paying any costs incurred by
             1305      the agency, including costs for advertising or storage.
             1306          Section 39. Section 77-24a-5 is amended to read:
             1307           77-24a-5. Disposition of unclaimed property.
             1308          (1) (a) If the owner of any [unclaimed] lost or mislaid property cannot be determined or
             1309      notified, or if [he] the owner of the property is determined and notified, and fails to appear and
             1310      claim the property after three months of its receipt by the local law enforcement agency, the
             1311      agency shall:
             1312          (i) publish [at least one] notice of the intent to dispose of the unclaimed property[:] on
             1313      Utah's Public Legal Notice Website established in Subsection 45-1-101 (2)(b); and
             1314          [(A) in a newspaper of general circulation within the county; and]
             1315          [(B) as required in Section 45-1-101 ; and]
             1316          (ii) post a similar notice in a public place designated for notice within the law
             1317      enforcement agency.
             1318          (b) The notice shall:
             1319          (i) give a general description of the item; and
             1320          (ii) the date of intended disposition.
             1321          (c) The agency may not dispose of the [unclaimed] lost or mislaid property until at
             1322      least eight days after the date of publication and posting.
             1323          (2) (a) If no claim is made for the [unclaimed] lost or mislaid property within nine days
             1324      of publication and posting, the agency shall notify the person who turned the property over to
             1325      the local law enforcement agency, if it was turned over by a person under Section 77-24a-3 .
             1326          (b) Except as provided in Subsection (4), if that person has complied with the
             1327      provisions of this chapter, the person may take the [unclaimed] lost or mislaid property if the
             1328      person:
             1329          (i) pays the costs incurred for advertising and storage; and


             1330          (ii) signs a receipt for the item.
             1331          (3) If the person who found the [unclaimed] lost or mislaid property fails to take the
             1332      property under the provisions of this chapter, the agency shall [dispose of that property and any
             1333      other property that is not claimed under this chapter as provided by Section 77-24-4 .]:
             1334          (a) apply the property to a public interest use as provided in Subsection (4);
             1335          (b) sell the property at public auction and apply the proceeds of the sale to a public
             1336      interest use; or
             1337          (c) destroy the property if it is unfit for a public interest use or sale.
             1338          (4) Before applying the lost or mislaid property to a public interest use, the agency
             1339      having possession of the property shall obtain from the agency's legislative body:
             1340          (a) permission to apply the property to a public interest use; and
             1341          (b) the designation and approval of the public interest use of the property.
             1342          [(4)] (5) Any person employed by a law enforcement agency who finds property may
             1343      not claim or receive property under this section.
             1344          Section 40. Repealer.
             1345          This bill repeals:
             1346          Section 24-1-1, Title.
             1347          Section 24-1-2, Purpose.
             1348          Section 24-1-3, Definitions.
             1349          Section 24-1-3.5, Jurisdiction and venue.
             1350          Section 24-1-4, Civil Procedures.
             1351          Section 24-1-5, No bond required in civil cases.
             1352          Section 24-1-6, Innocent owners.
             1353          Section 24-1-7, Hardship release of seized property.
             1354          Section 24-1-8, Criminal procedures.
             1355          Section 24-1-9, Appointment of counsel for indigent claimants in civil and criminal
             1356      forfeiture proceedings.
             1357          Section 24-1-10, Prejudgment and postjudgment interest.
             1358          Section 24-1-11, Attorneys' fees and costs.
             1359          Section 24-1-12, Compensation for damaged property.
             1360          Section 24-1-13, Limitation on fees for holding seized property.


             1361          Section 24-1-14, Proportionality.
             1362          Section 24-1-15, Transfer and sharing procedures.
             1363          Section 24-1-17, Disposition and allocation of forfeiture property.
             1364          Section 24-1-18, Criminal Forfeiture Restricted Account.
             1365          Section 24-1-19, Crime Reduction Assistance Program.
             1366          Section 24-1-20, State Law Enforcement Forfeiture Account created -- Revenue
             1367      sources -- Use of account designated.
             1368          Section 41-6a-211, Vehicle subject to forfeiture -- Seizure -- Procedure.
             1369          Section 58-37-13, Property subject to forfeiture -- Seizure -- Procedure.
             1370          Section 76-3-501, Vehicle subject to forfeiture -- Seizure -- Procedure.
             1371          Section 76-10-525, Disposition of weapons after use for court purposes.
             1372          Section 76-10-1107, Seizure and sale of devices or equipment used for gambling.
             1373          Section 76-10-1908, Forfeiture -- Grounds -- Procedure -- Disposition of property
             1374      seized.
             1375          Section 77-24-1, Definitions.
             1376          Section 77-24-1.5, Safekeeping by officer pending disposition -- Records required.
             1377          Section 77-24-2, Property not needed as evidence -- Child interview retention --
             1378      Return procedure -- Conflict resolution for secondhand merchandise.
             1379          Section 77-24-3, Receipt from owner of returned property.
             1380          Section 77-24-4, Disposition of property.
             1381          Section 77-24-5, Property seized from person -- Duplicate receipts.
             1382          Section 41. Effective date.
             1383          This bill takes effect on July 1, 2013.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 2-27-13 3:33 PM


Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


[Bill Documents][Bills Directory]