Massachusetts H1953 amends civil asset forfeiture laws to require public counsel for criminal defendants and change fund distribution.

Massachusetts H1953 modifies civil asset forfeiture procedures by mandating public counsel for criminal defendants represented by public counsel in related trials. It also alters the distribution of funds from forfeited assets, allocating 50% to substance abuse treatment and prevention services and 50% to communities economically affected by the opioid epidemic or criminal justice policies. The bill requires annual reports on seized assets and proceeds, detailing expenditures and distributions.

Massachusetts H1953 amends civil asset forfeiture laws to require public counsel for criminal defendants and change fund distribution.

Massachusetts H1953 modifies civil asset forfeiture procedures by mandating public counsel for criminal defendants represented by public counsel in related trials. It also alters the distribution of funds from forfeited assets, allocating 50% to substance abuse treatment and prevention services and 50% to communities economically affected by the opioid epidemic or criminal justice policies. The bill requires annual reports on seized assets and proceeds, detailing expenditures and distributions.