Asset forfeiture: human trafficking.

Assembly Member Alanis proposes substantial changes to California's asset forfeiture framework for human trafficking cases through amendments to the California Control of Profits of Organized Crime Act. The legislation removes the requirement to establish a pattern of criminal profiteering activity before seizing assets linked to human trafficking, while maintaining existing forfeiture provisions for cases involving minors.

The bill renames the law as the "California Control of Profits of Organized Crime and Human Trafficking Act" and modifies the distribution of forfeited assets. Under the new framework, proceeds from human trafficking forfeitures would be split equally between the Victim-Witness Assistance Fund and the Board of State and Community Corrections. The Victim-Witness portion would support community organizations serving human trafficking victims, while the Board's allocation would fund sexual assault response teams for law enforcement training, investigation expenses, and equipment purchases.

The legislation preserves key procedural safeguards, including the requirement that prosecuting agencies prove beyond reasonable doubt that defendants engaged in human trafficking and that the property is subject to forfeiture. Property owners maintain the right to contest seizures within 30 days of notification, and the bill explicitly protects the interests of bona fide purchasers. The amendments also retain existing asset forfeiture provisions for human trafficking crimes involving commercial sexual exploitation of minors.