State Sen. Konni Burton (R-Ft. Worth, Dist. 10) is facing a primary
Austin – Legislative Strike Force operatives of the U.S. Defenders say the word is already out. The bi-partisan sponsors of a civil forfeiture reform bill requiring conviction prior to loss of property will definitely face a White House-inspired primary effort to remove them from office.
SB 380 would require a conviction for a criminal offense before authorities may confiscate vehicles, property and money from those accused of an offense. Present law does not make any such requirement. Twin Peaks defendants lost their scooters long before they were indicted because they were unable to defend themselves in court. They were locked up under $1 million bail.
The proposed legislation is sponsored by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, Sen. Konni Burton (R) and Sen. Chuy Hinojosa (D).
In a recent television appearance, President Donald Trump said that an unnamed Texas lawmaker’s political career is under fire from his wing of the Republican Party due to his opposition to Civil Asset forfeiture laws and their lack of a requirement for conviction of a criminal offense – or even charges.
Trump said something about how his career could be “destroyed” because of his political stance on civil asset forfeiture – on national television.
Word came back early this week in Austin.
At least one Senator, Konni Burton, is facing a primary challenge in the next biennial of the Legislature due to her sponsorship of the new law.
Here is what it would require: (click here for a video press conference from the Capital.)
To date, every Legislator approached for their support on an anti Biker profiling bill has said, “I’m busy with the civil asset forfeiture bill.”
Code.
It means – “I don’t want to get primaried over this.