Senate Bill No. 596 seeks to improve transparency in asset forfeiture processes by amending existing laws related to law enforcement records and property seizure. The bill modifies 51 O.S. 2021, Section 24A.8, requiring law enforcement agencies to make certain records, including annual reports on asset seizures, available for public inspection. It also updates provisions regarding the release of audio and video recordings from law enforcement activities, allowing for redaction of sensitive content while ensuring that recordings related to significant events, such as arrests or use of force, are accessible to the public under specific conditions. Additionally, the bill amends 63 O.S. 2021, Section 2-506, mandating the submission and publication of reports regarding seized property on a designated website, thereby enhancing accountability and oversight of asset forfeiture practices.

The legislation further addresses procedures for notifying property owners and handling seized property, stipulating that no filing fees will be assessed for forfeiture actions. It outlines methods for providing notice to owners, including certified mail and local newspaper publication, and establishes a timeline for property owners to respond to forfeiture notices. The bill clarifies the burden of proof required for the state in forfeiture proceedings and the rights of bona fide owners to reclaim their property. Significant changes include the requirement for law enforcement agencies to electronically submit annual reports detailing seized property and its disposition, with the data published online. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 51-24A.8
Floor (Senate): 51-24A.8