LANSING, MI (AP)-- Law enforcement will have to adhere to new reporting requirements and meet a higher evidentiary standard for seizing and taking ownership of people's property under laws signed by Governor Rick Snyder.
The measures approved Tuesday seek to address concerns about police taking cash, vehicles and assets from people not convicted of crimes.
Agencies that seize or forfeit property will have to give detailed reports to state police every year.
Prosecutors going to civil court to take ownership of property will have to show by clear and convincing evidence that it's tied to criminal activity, a higher bar than now.
Snyder says the reporting requirements "raise the bar so that a fair balance is struck between private property rights and law enforcement's effective ability to do their job."
