H1774

Relative to civil asset forfeiture improvements

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1774 amends civil asset forfeiture laws to increase the burden of proof for the commonwealth, establish a trust fund for public.

Massachusetts H1774 revises civil asset forfeiture laws by raising the burden of proof for the commonwealth from probable cause to beyond a reasonable doubt. It establishes a Special Public Attorney and Drug Rehabilitation Trust Fund within the Office of the State Treasurer, funded by proceeds from civil asset forfeiture. This trust fund supports public attorneys appointed to defend individuals unable to afford representation in civil asset forfeiture proceedings and finances drug treatment, mental health treatment, rehabilitation, prevention, and education programs.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

May 6, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 20, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 05/06/2025 from 01:00 PM-04:00 PM in A-2

Oct 20, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order