Rep. Walberg Discusses Support for Bill that Would Reform Police Use of Civil Asset Forfeiture

Sept. 8, 2023 ~ A U.S. House bill still up for debate looks to limit abuse of civil asset forfeiture by police departments.

The bill, titled the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act, was introduced earlier this year by Democrat Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-8) and Republican Rep. Tim Walberg (MI-5) and passed out of committee in July. Civil asset forfeiture is a practice of law enforcement confiscating money and property from someone suspected of a crime, even if they have not been charged with one.

While many sheriffs and law enforcement agencies worry about the bill restricting their ability to fight crime, activists have long voiced concerns over police agencies being motivated to seize cash to fund their departments. Walberg spoke more about the bill on “Focus with Paul W. Smith.”