H.B. No. 916 aims to enhance the tracking, reporting, and management of proceeds and property resulting from asset forfeiture proceedings in Texas. The bill amends Article 59.06 of the Code of Criminal Procedure by allowing state attorneys and special rangers to enter local agreements for transferring proceeds from forfeited property to a special fund for law enforcement. It establishes that law enforcement agencies or attorneys that fail to comply with reporting requirements cannot disburse or expend any proceeds or property until the necessary reports are submitted. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of a case tracking system by the attorney general to collect detailed data on seized or forfeited property, including information about the involved law enforcement agency, the nature of the seizure, and the final disposition of the property.

The legislation also introduces a searchable internet database for public access to information regarding the expenditures of forfeiture proceeds, ensuring transparency in their utilization. The attorney general is responsible for publishing audits and maintaining this database, which will categorize expenditures related to law enforcement activities, victim compensation, and operational costs. The bill emphasizes accountability by requiring law enforcement agencies to report on their use of forfeiture funds while protecting sensitive personal information. It includes provisions for appointing a single reporting agency for multijurisdictional task forces, extending reporting periods for good cause, and imposing civil penalties for non-compliance. The act will take effect on September 1, 2025, and applies to state fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.