SJR 17 - When there is a forfeiture of property to the state under the criminal laws of Missouri, the moneys forfeited are distributed to Missouri schools but when a forfeiture occurs under federal law, the moneys are distributed to the responsible law enforcement agencies. Consequently, most of the significant forfeitures are handled by the federal government.

This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, would change the method of distributing forfeiture proceeds. One-half of the proceeds shall be used for public schools and one-half shall be used for public safety. Ninety percent of moneys allocated for public safety shall be distributed to the enforcement agency to which the forfeiture was attributed and the remainder shall be retained by the department of Public Safety.

This act is identical to the perfected HCS/HJR 1.

OTTO FAJEN