Senators raise concerns about administration forfeiture bill

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After hearing concerns from senators about the impact of an administration bill, which would assist expand seizure authority to include proceeds from illicit drug transactions, Deputy Attorney General Roy Hall Jr. greed the bill needed more work

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to give time to the AG’s office to review and amend the bill to address some of the concerns of senators.

Hall gave this summary of the bill.

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Senators asked about situations where they would lend a car to someone, or send a son or relative to the store and police find drugs on them, yet the owner did not have any knowledge that the person they lent their car to was using drugs. Hall said that any asset associated with drugs would be subject to seizure. He pointed out those who feel their assets are wrongfully forfeited can argue their cases.

Senators were also worried that rental homes or leased communal property would end up being seized because of drug activity.

Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety Terry Letuli and Homeland Security Director Samana Semo Veavea supported the bill.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean said, this is a US law being applied in a small territory with a totally different land system. When he asked Hall if he supported the bill, the Deputy AG said, after hearing the concerns of senators, he agreed the bill needed to be reviewed.

The bill was drafted by the Governor’s former Chief Counsel Jason Mitchell.