Sykes: Discussion on Asset Forfeiture will move forward

Sen. Anthony Sykes on Monday said his committee will move forward with a scheduled study on the issue of civil asset forfeiture. A Tuesday meeting at the Tulsa Police Academy has been rescheduled for 1:30 p.m. after the author of the study requested to withdraw previously scheduled morning presentations.

The proposal was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sykes is chairman of the committee.

“We have a long way to go before we reach the legislative session, and the issue of civil asset forfeiture will continue to be discussed,” said Sykes, R-Moore. “The scheduled interim study on asset forfeiture and seizure will meet as announced, under a revised agenda posted last week. Senate Bill 838, which was filed earlier this year, has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee, and it is important that we examine the issue. Severe accusations have been leveled against law enforcement and the judiciary from those seeking reform on this issue. It is very important that lawmakers and the public be educated on this issue as it relates to Oklahoma."