In forfeiture of assets, further providing for motion for return of property; and imposing duties on the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
Summary
HB2273 amends Pennsylvania’s asset forfeiture procedures by requiring law enforcement agencies to give a person whose personal property has been seized two documents within 14 days: a copy of the existing statutory section governing motions for return of property, and a sample motion for return of property. The sample motion must be developed by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) and posted on its publicly accessible website, but it would not be the only form a court of common pleas may accept.
The bill is aimed at making it easier for property owners to understand and use the process for seeking the return of seized property. It places a new administrative duty on the AOPC to create and publish a standardized sample motion, and it clarifies that the requirement applies to the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement agencies, including municipal and campus police. The act would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Impact
HB2273 would amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically the section on motions for return of property in forfeiture cases, by adding notice and form-distribution requirements after a seizure of personal property. It would create a procedural obligation for law enforcement to provide statutory information and a sample filing form, and it would require the AOPC to develop and maintain that form online. The bill does not change the substantive standards for forfeiture or return of property, but it could affect how quickly and easily affected individuals can challenge seizures in court.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a procedural access-to-justice reform rather than a controversial policy change. Its sponsors span multiple members, suggesting some bipartisan or cross-ideological interest in improving notice and court access for property owners. No formal vote history or transcript is available here, so there is no documented opposition or support beyond the bill’s introduction.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the added administrative burden on law enforcement agencies, which would have to deliver the required documents within a short 14-day window after seizure. Another possible issue is the new responsibility placed on the AOPC to draft and publish a sample motion, though the bill specifies that the sample form would not be exclusive. Supporters are likely to emphasize clearer notice, easier access to the courts, and fairness for people seeking return of seized property, while critics may focus on implementation costs or concerns about procedural complexity in forfeiture cases.
In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for Game Commission officers and employees; and, in enforcement, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers.
Providing for investigations; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania State Police and the Municipal Police Officers' Education and Training Commission.
Providing for temporary operational and financial assistance; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of State Treasurer.
Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.
In personal income tax, further providing for imposition of tax, for when withholding not required, for returns and liability and for return of Pennsylvania S corporation.
In personal income tax, further providing for imposition of tax, for when withholding not required, for returns and liability and for return of Pennsylvania S corporation.
In facilities and supplies, further providing for surcharge; and, in forfeiture of assets, providing for legal representation in forfeiture proceedings.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.