Auditor Blaha to Testify in Support of Asset Forfeiture Reform - For February 11, 2021

Saint Paul, MN – State Auditor Julie Blaha will testify on Thursday, February 11 in support of asset forfeiture reform. HF 75 limits vehicle and property subject to forfeiture, and provides for recovery of property by innocent owners.

“When it comes to asset forfeitures, the big story is in the small numbers,” said Auditor Blaha.

“In 2019, the average size of a forfeiture under $1500 was $473. While having a minimal financial benefit to the public safety system, to a Minnesotan this could mean the difference between making rent and experiencing homelessness,” added Blaha. “Given that forfeitures do not seem to be disrupting crime, restricting small forfeitures will have big benefits with little costs.”

Auditor Blaha will be testifying during the following committee hearing this week:

House State Government Finance and Elections
Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 8:30 am
Hearing may be viewed via House webcast schedule page: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/schedule.asp