Currently, when property is seized through civil asset forfeiture, law enforcement is permitted to keep the property indefinitely. H.3210 would provide that property seized through asset forfeiture must be returned after thirty days, if no criminal charges have been filed against the property owner. Also, the bill would not require the owner to prove he or she obtained the property legally and would not have to sign a liability waiver protecting law enforcement.

This bill also places cases in which the property seized does not exceed $7500 in magistrate court.

By South Carolina Policy Council

Since 1986 the South Carolina Policy Council Education Foundation has advocated innovative policy ideas that advance the principles of limited government and free enterprise. The Policy Council is the state’s meeting place for business leaders, policymakers, and academics – as well as engaged citizens – who want to see South Carolina become the most free state in the nation. For questions or comments on the articles on this website, please email Research Director Jamie Murguia.