88R1889 AJZ-D
 
  By: Canales H.B. No. 1711
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the admissibility of evidence in an asset forfeiture
  proceeding and the seizure and forfeiture of certain property.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Article 59.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by amending Subsection (a) and adding Subsection (a-1) to
  read as follows:
         (a)  Except as otherwise provided by Subsection (a-1),
  property [Property] that is contraband is subject to seizure and
  forfeiture under this chapter.
         (a-1)  Property that is contraband is not subject to seizure
  and forfeiture under this chapter if:
               (1)  the property is not otherwise unlawful to possess;
  and
               (2)  the admissibility of the property as evidence
  would be prohibited under Article 38.23 in the prosecution of the
  underlying offense.
         SECTION 2.  Article 59.05, Code of Criminal Procedure, is
  amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
         (b-1)  In a forfeiture proceeding under this chapter, the
  attorney representing the state may only present evidence the
  admissibility of which would not be prohibited under Article 38.23
  in the prosecution of the underlying offense giving rise to the
  forfeiture.
         SECTION 3.  The change in law made by this Act applies only
  to a forfeiture proceeding that begins on or after the effective
  date of this Act. A forfeiture proceeding that begins before the
  effective date of this Act is governed by the law in effect on the
  date the proceeding begins, and the former law is continued in
  effect for that purpose.
         SECTION 4.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.