Introduced
by
To authorize civil lawsuits to close premises that are "drug nuisances" as defined in the bill. Neighbors, local businesses, community organizations and prosecuting attorneys would have standing to bring such a suit, and would only have to demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that the premises are a drug house. The suit could be brought against the owner or manager of the premises, and local officials would have to promptly and without charge help plaintiffs determine who owns the property. Courts would be required to use expedited procedures; stays or continuances would be limited; and a court could order the premises closed by law enforcement officials if they are determined to be a drug nuisance and the owner had been advised of this before the suit was filed. The bill specifies various procedures for each step of the process. An owner who had not been involved in the drug activity could get the property reopened by posting bond and taking abatement and physical prevention measures specified in the bill. In some cases a court could appoint a receiver to manage the property.
Referred to the Committee on Judiciary
