ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

AN ACT relating to the Wyoming Controlled Substances Act;
amending procedures and requirements for forfeiting and
seizing property; providing definitions; providing immunity
for
forfeiture
actions;
conforming
provisions;
and
providing for an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:
Section 1. W.S. 1-39-104(a), 1-39-120 by creating a
new subsection (b) and 35-7-1049(a)(v)(intro), (vii),
(b)(iii), by creating a new subsection (c), by amending and
renumbering (c) and (d) as (d) and (e), by creating new
subsections (f) through (q), by renumbering (e) and (f) as
(r) and (s), by amending and renumbering (g) and (h) as (t)
and (u), by renumbering (h) through (k) as (u) through (y)
and by amending and renumbering (m) and (n) as (z) and (aa)
are amended to read:
1-39-104. Granting
immunity
liability on contracts; exceptions.

from

tort

liability;

(a) A governmental entity and its public employees
while acting within the scope of duties are granted
immunity from liability for any tort except as provided by
W.S. 1-39-105 through 1-39-112 and limited by W.S.
1-39-121. Any immunity in actions based on a contract
entered into by a governmental entity is waived except to
the extent provided by the contract if the contract was
within the powers granted to the entity and was properly
executed and except as provided in W.S. 1-39-120(b) and
1-39-121. The claims procedures of W.S. 1-39-113 apply to
contractual claims against governmental entities.
1-39-120.

Exclusions from waiver of immunity.
1

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(b) Notwithstanding the waiver of immunity for tort
liability provided by W.S. 1-39-105 through 1-39-112 or the
waiver of immunity in actions based on contract provided by
W.S. 1-39-104, a governmental entity and its public
employees while acting within the scope of duties are
immune from a civil action in tort, contract or otherwise
alleging, in whole or in part, the improper seizure of
property pursuant to W.S. 35-7-1049.
35-7-1049. Forfeitures
and
property subject to forfeiture.
(a)

seizures

generally;

The following are subject to forfeiture:

(v) All conveyances including aircraft, vehicles
or vessels, knowingly used or intended for use to transport
or in any manner to knowingly facilitate the transportation
for the sale or receipt of property described in paragraph
(a)(i) or (ii) of this section subsection may be seized by
the commissioner and forfeited to the state pursuant to
subsection (e) of this section:
(vii) All buildings knowingly used or intended
for use to store, manufacture or distribute property
described under paragraphs (a) paragraph (i) or (ii) of
this section subsection if the owner has knowledge of or
gives consent to the act of violation. A forfeiture of
property encumbered by a bona fide security interest is
subject to the interest of the secured party if he did not
have knowledge of or give consent to the act;
(b) Property subject to forfeiture under this act may
be seized by any law enforcement officer of the state upon
2

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

process issued by any district court or district court
commissioner having jurisdiction over the property. Seizure
without process may be made if:
(iii) The board or commissioner has probable
cause to believe that the property was used or is intended
to be used in violation of this act. Prior to property
being seized by any law enforcement officer of the state
pursuant to this paragraph, the following procedures shall
be followed:
(A) The
law
enforcement
officer
shall
communicate with the commissioner regarding the facts and
circumstances involving the property to be seized. Based
upon the information provided, the commissioner shall
determine whether probable cause exists that the property
identified by the law enforcement officer was used or was
intended to be used in a violation of this act;
(B) If the commissioner determines there is
probable cause to seize the property, he shall direct the
officer to seize the property. At the time of the seizure,
the person or persons from whom the property was seized
shall be given written notice that the seized property is
subject to forfeiture. The notice shall include an
advisement that:
(I) The person has the right to attend
the hearing required by subsection (c) of this section, but
shall not have the right to present evidence or cross
examine any witness;
(II) The person will be given at least
fifteen (15) days' notice of the time, date and location of
the hearing; and
3

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(III) The purpose of the hearing is
for a court to determine whether there was probable cause
to believe that the property was used or was intended to be
used in violation of this act.
(C) If the commissioner determines there is
no probable cause to seize the identified property, he
shall not authorize the seizure of any property based upon
that event or occurrence and the officer shall not seize
any property.
(c) Within thirty (30) days of the seizure, a
probable cause hearing shall be held in circuit court, in
the county where the property was seized to determine
whether probable cause existed to seize the property
pursuant to paragraph (b)(iii) of this section. One (1) or
more of the law enforcement officers who made the seizure
shall
testify
under
oath
regarding
the
facts
and
circumstances which established probable cause to seize the
property.
The
hearing
shall
be
recorded
by
sound,
sound-and-visual or stenographic means. If the court
determines, based upon the evidence presented, that at the
time of the seizure:
(i) Probable cause did not exist to seize the
property, the court shall order the property to be
immediately returned to its lawful owner or one (1) of the
persons from whom it was seized; or
(ii) Probable
cause
existed
to
seize
the
property, the court shall order that the commissioner may
file an action for the forfeiture of the property.

4

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(c)(d) Prompt institution of proceedings. - In the
event of seizure pursuant to subsection (b) of this
section, proceedings under subsection (d) of no action for
the forfeiture of property pursuant to this section shall
be instituted promptly unless it is brought within one
hundred twenty (120) days from the date of seizure or
within thirty (30) days following the completion of any
criminal prosecution relating to the seizure, whichever is
later. All forfeiture proceedings or actions shall be
brought by the commissioner.
(d)(e) Seized property not repleviable; sealing or
removal of seized property. - Property taken or detained
under this section shall not be subject to replevin, but is
deemed to be in the custody of the commissioner subject
only to the orders and decrees of the court having
jurisdiction over the forfeiture proceedings. When property
is seized under this act, the commissioner may: shall place
the property under seal or otherwise assure the property is
maintained
under
conditions
reasonably
necessary
to
preserve the property's value or may sell the property and
hold the proceeds thereof if the property is perishable or
threatens to decline speedily in value until the forfeiture
proceedings have become final as to all parties and all
rights of appeal have been exhausted. In order to preserve
the property, if cash, the commissioner may deposit funds
into a demand deposit account at an institution located
within the state of Wyoming.
(i)
(ii)

Place the property under seal;
Remove the property to a place designated

by him; or

5

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(iii) Require the board to take custody of the
property and remove it to an appropriate location for
disposition in accordance with law.
(f) Before a forfeiture action may be filed and no
later than thirty (30) days from the date of entry of an
order finding probable cause pursuant to subsection (c) of
this section, the commissioner shall serve a notice of
seizure and intended forfeiture upon any third party,
ascertained after reasonably diligent inquiry, known to
have an interest in the property. The notice shall describe
the date and location of the seizure, the property seized
and the statutory basis for the forfeiture. The notice
shall be served in accordance with the Wyoming Rules of
Civil Procedure except that service by publication shall
not be required. The notice requirements of this subsection
shall not apply to the party or parties from whom the
property was directly seized.
(g) A court shall not issue any forfeiture order
unless the notice under subsection (f) of this section has
been accomplished to the satisfaction of the court.
(h) After the commissioner is authorized by the court
or by this section to file a forfeiture action, the Wyoming
Rules of Civil Procedure shall govern the action unless in
conflict with subsections (j) through (n) of this section.
(j) The complaint to seek forfeiture of property
under
this
section
shall
describe
with
reasonable
particularity:
(i)

The approximate value of the property;

6

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(ii)

The

facts

giving

rise

to

the

seizure

or

custody;
(iii) The name and position of the person making
the seizure or taking the property into custody;
(iv) The name and address of the owners of the
property or those persons who were in possession of the
property at the time of the seizure; and
(v) The manner in which all parties reasonably
known to have an interest in the property seized were
served in accordance with subsection (f) of this section.
(k) In the action for the forfeiture of property, the
burden of proof shall be on the commissioner to establish
by clear and convincing evidence the extent to which, if
any, the property is subject to forfeiture.
(m) Subsequent to the commissioner carrying his
burden of proof pursuant to subsection (k) of this section,
an interest in property belonging to a third party shall
not be forfeited to the extent the third party establishes
he has a perfected lien in the property, proves by a
preponderance of evidence that he has a perfected priority
interest in the property or that he is an innocent owner.
For purposes of this subsection:
(i) With respect to a property interest in
existence at the time the violation of this act took place,
"innocent owner" means a person who held an interest in the
property and neither had knowledge of nor consented to the
violation;

7

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(ii) With
respect
to
a
property
interest
acquired after the violation of this act has taken place,
"innocent owner" means a person who, at the time that
person acquired the interest in the property:
(A) Was a bona fide purchaser or seller for
value of goods or services or a holder of a bona fide
security interest; and
(B) Did not know and was reasonably without
cause to believe the property was subject to forfeiture.
(n) The right to trial by jury applies to forfeiture
proceedings under this section.
(o) A person's interest in property is not subject to
forfeiture to the extent that the forfeiture is grossly
disproportionate to the gravity of the offense giving rise
to the forfeiture. The commissioner shall have the burden
of demonstrating by a preponderance of the evidence that a
forfeiture is not grossly disproportionate. Proportionality
shall be decided by the court as follows:
(i) In determining whether a forfeiture
grossly disproportionate, the court shall consider:

is

(A) The extent to which the property was
used or intended to be used in executing the underlying
offense;
(B) The value of the property,
both its fair market and subjective value;

including

(C) The actions of the person involved in
the activity giving rise to the forfeiture proceedings;
8

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(D) The severity of the criminal sanctions
associated with the actions of the person;
(E) Whether the property constitutes the
person's lawful livelihood or means of earning a living;
(F) Whether
the
offense
or
offense has severe collateral consequences; and
(G) Any
necessary and relevant.

other

factors

the

attempted

court

deems

(ii) If the court finds the forfeiture is
grossly disproportionate to the offense, it shall reduce or
eliminate the forfeiture as it finds appropriate.
(p) In any forfeiture proceeding under this section,
the
court
shall
award
a
prevailing
property
owner
reasonable:
(i)
(ii)

Attorney fees and costs; and
Damages.

(q) The proceedings and judgment of forfeiture shall
be in rem and shall be against the property itself.
(e)(r) When property is forfeited under this act, the
commissioner may:
(i) Retain it for official use; in which case it
shall become the property of the state of Wyoming;

9

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(ii) Sell
any such
property which
is
not
required to be destroyed by law and which is not harmful to
the public. The proceeds shall be used for payment of all
proper expenses of the proceedings for forfeiture and sale,
including expenses of seizure, maintenance of custody,
advertising and court costs;
(iii) Require the board to take custody of the
property and remove it for disposition in accordance with
law;
(iv)

Repealed by Laws 1983, ch. 160, § 2.

(v) Transfer
ownership
and
control
of
the
property to any municipality or political subdivision of
the state for its official use; or
(vi) Authorize any law enforcement officer to
apply to the district court with jurisdiction for an order
providing for destruction of the contraband controlled
substances or paraphernalia if no longer necessary for
evidentiary purposes, provided, however, that a district
court order shall not be necessary for the division of
criminal investigation to destroy quantities of contraband
controlled substances after the division has tested random
samples.
The division of criminal investigation shall
adopt rules necessary to operate a program to destroy bulk
quantities of contraband controlled substances, which shall
include:
(A) The photographing and videotaping of
the entire bulk amount of seized contraband controlled
substances to maintain its evidentiary value and to create
exhibits for use in legal proceedings;

10

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

(B) The extraction of ten (10) random
samples from the entire bulk amount of seized contraband
controlled substances for laboratory analysis;
(C) A
weighing
on
properly
calibrated
scales of both the bulk amount of seized contraband
controlled substances and the representative samples;
(D)

The additional retention of:

(I) Five
(5)
ounces
of
organic
material if the controlled substance is marihuana or a
substance of similar organic composition;
(II) Five (5) grams of
substance in powdered or crystalline form;

a

controlled

(III) Five-tenths (0.5) of a gram of a
controlled substance in liquid form;
(IV) An amount sufficient for testing
by experts shall be made available from the additionally
retained sample for the purpose of defending criminal
charges arising from the possession, use or sale of the
controlled substance.
(E) After the testing and retention of
samples specified in this paragraph, the commissioner or
his designee may order the destruction of the bulk amount
of the seized contraband controlled substance in excess of
the representative sample and the additional retained
samples of the seized contraband controlled substance;
additional

(F) Once the representative samples and the
retained samples of the contraband controlled
11

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

substance are no longer necessary for evidentiary purposes,
any law enforcement officer, upon authorization from the
commissioner, may apply to the district court with
jurisdiction for an order providing for the destruction of
the remaining contraband controlled substance.
(f)(s) Any controlled substance listed in Schedules I
through V that is possessed, transferred, sold or offered
for sale in violation of this act is contraband and shall
be seized and summarily forfeited to the state. Any
controlled substance listed in Schedules I through V which
is seized or comes into possession of the state and the
owner is unknown, is contraband and shall be summarily
forfeited to the state.
(g)(t) Seizures and summary forfeiture of certain
plants generally. - Species of plants from which controlled
substances in Schedules I and II may be derived which have
been planted or cultivated in violation of this act, or of
which the owners or cultivators are unknown, or which are
wild growths, may be seized and summarily forfeited to the
state.
(h)(u) Authority
for
seizure
and
forfeiture
of
plants. - The failure, upon demand by the commissioner, or
his authorized agent, of the person in occupancy or in
control of land or premises upon which the species of
plants are growing or being stored, to produce an
appropriate registration, or proof that he is the holder
thereof,
constitutes
authority
for
the
seizure
and
forfeiture of the plants.
(j)(w) Any law enforcement agency of this state may
accept, receive, dispose of and expend the property or
proceeds from any property forfeited to the federal
12

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

government or any state and allocated to the agency by the
United States attorney general pursuant to 21 U.S.C. 881(e)
or any law of another state. The property or proceeds shall
be in addition to funds appropriated to the law enforcement
agency by the state legislature or any unit of local
government.
The property or proceeds may be credited to
any lawfully created fund or account designated to receive
proceeds of forfeitures.
(k)(y) Any law enforcement agency of this state which
receives property or proceeds pursuant to subsection (j)(w)
of this section shall report to the attorney general on
forms to be prescribed by the attorney general:
(i) The receipt of property or proceeds within
thirty (30) days from the receipt; and
(ii) The disposition or
property or proceeds within ninety
disposition or expenditure.

expenditure of
(90) days from

any
the

(m)(z) The attorney general shall submit a biennial
an annual report to the joint appropriations interim
committee and the joint judiciary interim committee not
later than August 1 concerning recipients and the amount of
property and proceeds accepted, received, disposed of or
expended during the prior calendar year under subsection
(j) of this section by law enforcement agencies, other than
property subject to summary forfeiture.
(n)(aa) No
accept property
of this section
is conditioned

law enforcement agency of this state shall
or proceeds pursuant to subsection (j)(w)
if the tender of the property or proceeds
upon the state law enforcement agency's

13

 ORIGINAL SENATE
FILE NO. SF0046
ENROLLED ACT NO. 5, SENATE
SIXTY-FOUR LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2016 BUDGET SESSION

adoption
of
procedure.

federal

law

enforcement

practices

and

Section 2. This act shall apply to seizures of
property which occur on or after July 1, 2016 and to any
forfeitures proceedings related to property seized on or
after July 1, 2016.
Section 3.

This act is effective July 1, 2016.
(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate
Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________
DATE APPROVED: _________
I hereby certify that this act originated in the Senate.

Chief Clerk

14