SB228 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Terrorism, forfeiture of property derived from, authorization of claims by injured parties and law enforcement, allocation of proceeds from forfeiture, civil action for damages, limitations

Summary

The bill would expand civil liability for terrorism, allow forfeiture of property tied to terrorism, let injured people and law enforcement claim costs from forfeited property, set how forfeiture proceeds are distributed, and authorize damages actions against perpetrators.

What This Bill Does

It creates civil forfeiture of all property used in or derived from terrorism. It lets a person injured by terrorism and law enforcement involved in the case file claims for costs or damages to be paid from forfeited property, and it allows the injured to sue the person who committed the terrorism for damages. It sets how proceeds from forfeiture are allocated, prioritizing investigation and prosecution costs, with remaining funds used to satisfy judgments for victims, and it establishes a five-year limit to file these claims. It also preserves the rights of factually innocent owners and outlines seizure rules, including when court orders are required.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who are injured by acts of terrorism, who can file claims for costs or damages and potentially receive damages (including treble actual damages or at least $10,000) plus attorney's fees, within five years of discovery.
• Law enforcement agencies and other government investigators, who may receive repayment of investigation, mitigation, seizure, and prosecution costs from forfeited proceeds, with specific distribution priorities and cost-sharing rules.

Key Provisions

• All property used in or derived from acts of terrorism is subject to civil forfeiture to the state, with protections for factually innocent owners.
• Injured victims and law enforcement involved in the investigation may file claims for costs or damages to be paid from forfeited property, with the property described used to satisfy such claims.
• Proceeds from forfeiture are allocated first to investigation costs (to the primary agency or shared among agencies), then to prosecuting attorneys, with remaining proceeds used to satisfy judgments for injured parties; costs of mitigation, seizure, and forfeiture are paid to participating agencies; and any remaining funds go to others with judgments.
• Limitation period for claims under forfeiture is five years from discovery; victims may also file civil damages actions against perpetrators, eligible for treble actual damages or $10,000 minimum plus attorney's fees, within five years of discovery.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses