Civil Asset Forfeiture

Many Texans have trumpeted the cause of private property rights when it comes to annexation, fracking bans or local tree ordinances, yet they have been strangely silent on civil asset forfeiture.

The political will apparently doesn’t exist to eliminate the practice of seizing property without a criminal conviction. The practice remains too popular with law enforcement agencies that have legislators’ ears.

Legislators should at least take common-sense steps to protect everyday citizens by providing greater transparency around such seizures, requiring agencies to absorb any costs for wrongly seized property and requiring a conviction before forfeiture is final. Read the Statesman's Editorial for more information.

But for those who truly believe in the cause of small government and the sanctity of private property rights, reforming civil asset forfeiture should be an easy call.

Taking a person’s property is one of the most intrusive things a government can do. The Legislature should ensure the process is done right.