95/06/25        posted by Brenda Grantland

From:   FEAR-LIST@SVPAL.ORG@INET02#     Internet Gateway

Sub: HR 1916

F.E.A.R. Press Release:  June 25, 1995
 Posted by Brenda Grantland
 For immediate release -- please disseminate to other lists,
 and to anyone else who might be interested.

===============================================================

HYDE INTRODUCES FORFEITURE REFORM BILL -- HR 1916!

On Thursday, June 22, 1995, U.S. Representative Henry Hyde (R.
Ill.) held a press conference to announce the introduction of his
forfeiture reform bill, HR 1916.

Though not our "ideal" bill, HR 1916 contains several of the
reforms we advocate.  Among other things, it:

- puts the burden of proof on the government by "clear and
convincing evidence" (this is not as good as "beyond a reasonable
doubt", but much better than the current standard of a mere
"probable cause")

- provides appointment of counsel for indigent claimants

- provides additional protection for innocent third parties raising
innocent owner defense 

- eliminates cost bond

- gives property owner 30 days, instead of 10, to file a claim

- waives sovereign immunity, allowing U.S. to be sued for damages
to property while seized, if owner prevails

- permits release of property pending final disposition if the
detention of the property pretrial would cause the owner
substantial hardhip, such as preventing the functioning of a
business or leaving the owner homeless.

To get a free copy of the bill, call the House Document Room,
202-225-3456.  [Or download from this website -- see FEAR List 
Bulletin from July 9, 1995.