A panel of state lawmakers, prosecutors and sheriffs appointed on Tuesday will study Georgia laws dealing with the use of property and cash seized during criminal investigations.
House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, asked the committee to present recommendations by the time the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Wendell Willard, R-Sandy Springs, will lead the working group. Willard is the sponsor of House Bill 1, which would limit how local officials can use property seized from criminals. The bill failed to pass this year but has gotten renewed attention after The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported new concerns over potential abuse of cash seized in several local jurisdictions.
“Georgians have the right to expect that our laws are fair, just and reasonable,” Ralston said.
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