House Bill No. 820 enacts R.S. 14:230.1, which establishes new provisions regarding civil forfeiture related to criminal offenses, specifically targeting funds and property involved in identity theft, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud, monetary instrument abuse, computer fraud, and money laundering. The bill defines key terms such as "commingled funds," "criminal activity," "facilitating property," and "proceeds." It allows for the seizure and forfeiture of facilitating property, proceeds, and commingled funds, even if the individuals involved had knowledge of the criminal activity. The bill also outlines the process for seizure, including the requirement for a court order, and provides protections for factually innocent persons, ensuring that their rights are not affected by forfeiture actions.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the allocation of proceeds from forfeitures will be determined by the court based on the participation of law enforcement entities in the investigation and seizure process. Proceeds will be distributed to satisfy any bona fide security interests or liens, cover expenses related to the forfeiture proceedings, and allocate remaining funds to law enforcement agencies, the criminal court fund, and the district attorney's office. The bill also establishes a five-year statute of limitations for initiating civil or criminal actions under its provisions and clarifies that the application of one civil remedy does not preclude the use of others. Notably, the bill removes theft from the list of offenses subject to forfeiture and ensures that federally-insured financial institutions' interests are protected from the seizure and forfeiture provisions.