Senate Bill 493 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding civil forfeiture by changing the standard of evidence required for civil forfeiture proceedings. Specifically, it replaces the phrase "a preponderance of evidence" with "clear and convincing evidence" in two sections: Section 40-33-210(a) and Section 40-33-213(a). This change aims to raise the burden of proof necessary for the state to seize property in civil forfeiture cases.

The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to all seizures that occur on or after that date. This legislative change reflects a shift towards a more stringent evidentiary standard in civil forfeiture cases, potentially impacting how such cases are prosecuted in the future.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40-33-210(a), 40-33-210, 40-33-213(a), 40-33-213