Susana Martinez: New Mexico Governor Signs Bill Aiming to Ban Civil Asset Forfeiture

[Quixote1818]

Source: Albuquerque Journal

Gov. Susana Martinez does not like the term “policing for profit,” but she still signed into law today a measure aimed at barring law enforcement from seizing money, cars or other types of property from people on civil grounds during an arrest or traffic stop on suspicion the property was connected to a crime.

The civil asset forfeiture legislation, House Bill 560, was approved unanimously by both the New Mexico House and Senate but Martinez did not act on the measure until today, her final day to sign or veto bills passed during the 60-day session.

In an executive message explaining her decision to sign the bill, Martinez said that as a former prosecutor she understands the importance of protecting constitutional rights and innocent property owners.

However, the Republican governor took issue with the term “policing for profit,” which backers of the legislation have used to describe civil asset forfeiture.


Read more: http://www.abqjournal.com/567598/politics/civil-asset-forfeiture-bill-signed-into-law-by-gov-susana-martinez.html

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This may be the first good decision she has made so far. Fortunately this is a big deal!

[TexasMommaWithAHat]

1. Now, let other states follow, please!

nt

[christx30]

2. If she has a problem with the term

'policing for profit', I suggest she watch John Oliver's report on civil asset forfeiture from last year. It's chilling that you could lose everything, even if you're innocent. And it's near impossible to get your stuff back.

[EL34x4]

3. Civil Asset Forfeiture is an abomination

That it has been standard practice for 25+ years in our supposed "Land of the Free" is a national disgrace.

I don't care if they have a (D) or and (R) after their name, I will applaud any elected official who works to end this loathsome abuse.

Well done Governor Martinez.

[Lochloosa]

7. 35+

[msongs]

4. good for her and it IS policing for profit. police are running an extortion racket - payup or we'll

take your assets, put you in prison, or shoot you in the back...or the front if needed

[certainot]

5. she wouldn't do anything ALEC and the GOP wouldn't want unless

it's a no-brainer for republicans - which is a very very very very very low bar.

[Lochloosa]

6. It's about time.

[7962]

8. YES YES YES!! Holder started by banning federal seizures. Keep this going!

It is exactly "policing for profit"