Steelman calls for forfeiture laws reform

Steelman and a special task force have called for changes to the state’s criminal asset forfeiture laws to provide funding for schools and law enforcement. Missouri congressional sponsors are ready to move forward with the proposal, according to a news release from Steelman’s office.

Under the proposed changes, schools would receive a minimum of 50 percent of seized assets and law enforcement would be reimbursed for documented costs incurred in seizing the assets.

The task force’s plan is consistent with the Presidential Commission on Model Drug Laws and mirrors the forfeiture laws of most other states, according to the release.

Currently, the federal government seizes nearly all forfeited assets from crimes committed in Missouri.

“The current system is resulting in significant sums being returned to criminals or being kept by federal agencies,” Steelman said in the release. “This conflicts with out state constitution and deprives both schools and law enforcement of funds they need to do their jobs.”

The task force includes members from the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Missouri Association of School Administrators, the Missouri School Boards Association and the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.