Nebraska lawmakers have approved a bill that puts new limits on property seizures in criminal cases.
Under the bill which passed 38-8 Wednesday, a criminal conviction would be required before police could seize property. Bellevue Senator Tommy Garrett's bill also bans property transfers to federal law enforcement unless its worth more than $25,000. Advocates say the bill would ensure police use the state process, which funnels 50 percent of the forfeiture proceeds to Nebraska schools, rather than the federal program, which repays law enforcement up to 80 of the money and does not support state schools.
Governor Pete Ricketts has five days to sign or veto the bill.
