Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s legislation to enhance reporting requirements and transparency for asset forfeiture was signed into law today by the Governor.

“Accountability is critical when assets are seized by law enforcement which may have been used in illegal activities,” said O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth). “There is a line we need to walk when it comes to property rights and items that may have been employed in criminal activity.”

O’Scanlon’s bill, S1963, requires prosecutors to compile and submit to the Attorney General quarterly reports concerning asset seizure and forfeiture by law enforcement agencies within that county.

“I commend the Governor for signing this bill and recognizing its importance,” O’Scanlon concluded. “We want to do as much as possible to stand with our law enforcement officers while at the same time discouraging any policing for profit pressure that might be placed on them. Enhanced transparency on the civil asset forfeiture front is a good first step to help us understand, and ultimately reform, our asset forfeiture rules and procedures.”