BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota’s House has approved legislation that would require a criminal conviction before authorities can seize cash or valuables they believe to be ill-gotten.
The civil asset forfeiture bill passed 57-33 on Wednesday. It also seeks to establish a reporting system on seized and forfeited property.
Representatives approved the measure the same day the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Constitution’s ban on excessive fines applies to the states. That’s an outcome that could help efforts to rein in police seizure of property from criminal suspects.
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The House bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Senators killed a similar bill in 2017.
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