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HB 2413 - follow the bill here
From Mark Gjurasic, January 18th:
Dear WAA Members:
HB 2413 and bill summary with a summary is attached plus brief comments from the Judiciary Committee as it relates to property used for Gang activities.
(Click here for attached file)
Rep. Johnson (R), Yakima, testified, along with the Yakima police department, Yakima city manager, policy director for Washington police chiefs, and victory outreach ministries (Yakima based at risk youth organization)
Testimony contained the following arguments:
Yakima has a increasing and intolerable gang problem and Gangs are transient between jurisdictions therefor a state wide law i s needed.
This bill is patterned off of drug seizure laws passed previously. Which have been effective
Law enforcement need as many tools as possible (including civil) to fight gang activity.
Property seizure attacks the gangs further up the hierarchy compared to arrests.
Property is used to recruit youth.
A Yakima landlord also testified that he supported the bill and does not see it as an issue for his tenants.
Testimony with concerns:
1. Washington Land Title Association expressed technical concerns. They offered to assist in drafting the language.
2. ACLU of WASH presented the following arguments against the bill:
a. Bill requires no warrant, arrest or conviction to seize property
b. The burden of proof would rest on the property owner, not the state, to prove that their property was not obtained from, or involved in, criminal activity
c. Often the legal cost of reclaiming property costs more than the property itself.
d. The law creates a financial incentive for police to seize property (the fund should go to the state rather than the departments directly)
We can either offer amendments or oppose this legislation
Many thanks.
Mark Gjurasic
Public Affairs of Washington, LLC
mgjurasic@comcast.net
(360) 481-6000
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