Civil forfeiture bill unlikely to advance

ATLANTA (AP) The lawmaker behind an effort to overhaul Georgia's civil forfeiture laws says his bill is unlikely to advance for the second year in a row due to opposition by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association.

Republican Rep. Wendell Willard, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said Monday he didn't expect his bill to meet a key legislative deadline. Monday is Crossover Day, when a bill must pass either the House or Senate to remain active for the last 10 days of the session.

Willard says he will continue to push the changes, which would add certain procedures for the handling of assets seized by law enforcement and increase reporting. Willard had revised the bill this year to address concerns. But the Georgia Sheriff's Association remained opposed, arguing the changes weren't needed.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2014/3/271890