The bill amends Sections 67-1001 and 37-2744 of the Idaho Code to enhance the responsibilities of the State Controller and improve the management of asset forfeitures. It requires the State Controller to store, maintain, and publish a current list of asset forfeitures, thereby increasing transparency and accountability in the handling of asset forfeitures by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the bill mandates that state, county, and local law enforcement agencies share information relating to certain asset forfeitures with the State Controller, facilitating better tracking and reporting of these assets. Moreover, the bill introduces new requirements for law enforcement agencies to retain and report specific information about seized or forfeited property annually, including details such as the agency name, date of seizure, property description, associated crime, and case outcomes. It also clarifies the distribution of proceeds from the sale of forfeited property, ensuring that funds cover seizure-related expenses and any remaining amounts are allocated to enforcement donation funds. The bill establishes procedures for the destruction of seized property post-legal actions, requiring an official record of destroyed items. An emergency declaration sets the effective date for these changes as July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-1001, 37-2744
Engrossment 1: 67-1001, 37-2744