AFP-MI Issues Key Vote Alert in Support of Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Bill

Feb 28, 2019 by AFP

Lansing, Mich. – Today the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity – Michigan (AFP-MI) applauded Michigan lawmakers for working to reform the state’s Civil Asset Forfeiture (CAF)program.

This program allows law enforcement to seize property that they suspect is connected to criminal activity, without convicting or even charging the property owner with a crime. Under this program, property such as cars, cash and even houses have been seized. The grassroots group plans to key vote components of the final passage of reforming CAF.

Annie Patnaude, State Director for Americans for Prosperity issued the following statement:

“AFP-MI applauds both the House and Senate leadership and bill sponsors for their efforts to reform Michigan’s egregious civil asset forfeiture program. As we have said before, Michiganders know that the role of our government is to protect our personal property, not seize it on a whim. To that end, AFP-MI will be key-voting components of H.B. 4001, so that constituents will be empowered to see where their lawmakers stand on the need to reform this program. We support this bipartisan effort to re-instate basic liberties and constitutional protections that all Americans are entitled to.”

Background:

AFP-MI has been a vocal proponent of reforming civil asset forfeiture programs. To learn more, click here.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the Constitution’s prohibition on excessive fines applies to state and local governments engaging in civil asset forfeiture. AFP commented on the decision, noting that it could limit the ability of states to use forfeiture to impose overly harsh fines on the convicted, let alone on individuals who haven’t been charged with a crime.

AFP signed onto an amicus brief in the case last year which stated our opposition to civil asset forfeiture.