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Relating to the use of certain funds derived from criminal asset forfeiture to provide services to domestic victims of trafficking.
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
HB 402 would permit a state attorney or law enforcement director to use any portion of the money they receive from forfeitures related to trafficking offenses to cover the costs of a county or municipal contract providing services to victims of trafficking.
Texas Action is neutral on HB 402 as it does not significantly affect any of our Liberty Principles. It should be amended, however, to only apply to criminal forfeitures following a conviction for trafficking offenses. Directing civil forfeiture funds toward desirable programs might make civil forfeiture more difficult to eliminate in the future.