Michigan Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) Aims to Reform U.S. Civil Asset Forfeiture Laws

Michigan Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) have reintroduced the FAIR Act, which aims to comprehensively reform the U.S. civil asset forfeiture laws. The proposed legislation seeks to increase transparency and oversight by Congress, protect small business owners in Michigan and across the country by reforming the IRS structuring statute, and raise the standard of proof required for the government to seize property.

According to Rep. Walberg, the current system has allowed the government to seize private property too easily, often without bringing criminal charges. The FAIR Act is a critical step to limit government overreach and restore constitutional rights. The proposed legislation has garnered support from a broad political spectrum, and Rep. Walberg looks forward to working with Rep. Raskin to get the bill signed into law.

Rep. Raskin stated that law enforcement officers' current practice of seizing and forfeiting people's private property has become standard in many parts of the country. The FAIR Act aims to restore the presumption of innocence, fair judicial process, and the opportunity to be heard, and he expressed pride in introducing this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Walberg to rein in civil asset forfeiture and restore due process rights.

Reps. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), and Joe Neguse (D-CO) also support the FAIR Act, emphasizing the need to reform the civil asset forfeiture system to protect the rights of American citizens. This is especially needed in Michigan where civil asset forfeiture abuses continue despite legislative reform in Lansing.