Enhance Data Collection in Civil Asset Forfeiture Cases

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The civil asset forfeiture process allows law enforcement to take property and belongings from someone, even if they are not arrested or convicted of a crime. HB 3038 improves the substance and process of data collected in cases across the state of Illinois. Take action in support of this bill!

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State Representative

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Support HB 3038!

As a constituent I write to urge you to support and sponsor House Bill 3038. The bill improves the substance and transparency of civil asset forfeiture (CAF) data collection by collecting information to track the life cycle of an entire civil asset forfeiture case, from initial seizure through disposition and disposal of the property.

Civil asset forfeiture is a process that allows for someone’s property to be taken and used by law enforcement – even if the person is never charged with or convicted of a crime. Recognizing that any system this powerful must be fair and include due process, Illinois enacted reforms to civil asset forfeiture in 2018.

But the lack of meaningful data collection makes it difficult to assess the effectiveness of those changes and whether further reform is necessary. We are missing critical information necessary to assess the impact of civil asset forfeiture laws and protections on all Illinoisans, including any disparities by geography, race, income, or innocent owner status.

The Institute for Justice has ranked Illinois very poorly in terms of our state’s data collection on this important issue. Please support HB 3038 to continue the important work the Illinois legislature has done to make this system more fair and transparent.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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