"Yesterday, two landmark reforms took effect in Montana and New Mexico," says Nick Sibilla. "Both states now require a criminal conviction for civil forfeiture, while New Mexico went even further and banned the practice outright."
Forbes has more about this great news:
Allowing police and prosecutors to keep what they seize has enriched law enforcement at the cost of Americans' constitutional rights. Since 1985, the Justice Department's Asset Forfeiture Fund has grown from $27 million to over $2 billion in 2013. Nationwide, more than 500 police departments and task forces have seized the equivalent of 20 percent or more of their yearly budgets. To end this appalling incentive to police for profit, legislators should direct all forfeiture proceeds either to the general fund or to a specified neutral fund, like education.
It's time for the rest of the country to follow the lead of these two states.
