SB56 Alabama 2017 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2017

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

SB56 would create a civil forfeiture system for property tied to terrorism, allow victims and investigators to claim costs and damages from forfeited property, and authorize suits against terrorists for damages including punitive penalties.

What This Bill Does

It would make all property used in or derived from terrorism subject to civil forfeiture to the state or a private entity. It would allow a person injured by terrorism, and law enforcement agencies or private entities involved in the investigation or forfeiture, to file claims for costs or damages to be paid from forfeited property, and it would add filing fees. It explains how forfeiture proceeds are allocated, prioritizing payment of judgments to victims, then paying investigation costs to the investigating agencies, then the prosecuting attorney, with remaining funds used for other related costs. It would also allow an injured person to sue the terrorist for damages, including punitive damages (at least three times actual damages) and attorney's fees, in addition to other remedies.

Who It Affects

• Injured persons by terrorism (and their estates/heirs) who may file claims for costs or damages and sue terrorists for damages.
• Law enforcement agencies, government entities, and private entities involved in terrorism investigations, seizures, or forfeiture processes; they may file claims and receive allocation of investigation costs and portions of forfeiture proceeds.

Key Provisions

• Civil forfeiture of all property used in, derived from, or realized through acts of terrorism to the state or a private entity.
• Injured persons, private entities, and participating agencies may file claims for costs or damages to be paid from forfeited property; new filing fees are added with amounts based on the case value.
• Proceeds from forfeiture are allocated first to satisfy judgments for victims, then to pay investigation costs to the responsible agencies (with rules for multiple agencies), then to the prosecuting attorney, and the remainder to cover other related costs; rights of factually innocent parties and liens are protected unless knowledge/consent is shown.
• A five-year limitation period applies for claims from discovery of the violation.
• An injured person may sue the offender for damages, including punitive damages (minimum of three times actual damages) and attorney's fees if they prevail; these remedies are in addition to other rights.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after approval.

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