Seizure and Forfeiture Procedures

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 12 [Docket No. FWS-HQ-LE-2016-0067; FF09L00200-FX-LE12200900000] RIN 1018-BG73 AGENCY: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, FWS, or we) is revising its seizure and forfeiture regulations. These regulations establish procedures relating to property seized or subject to administrative forfeiture under various laws enforced by the Service. This revision sets forth the procedures the Service uses for the seizure, bonded release, appraisement, administrative proceeding, petition for remission, and disposal of items subject to forfeiture under laws administered by the Service and reflects the procedures required by the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 (CAFRA) and those of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This rule makes these regulations easier to understand using simpler language. This revision more clearly explains the procedures used in administrative forfeiture proceedings, makes the process more efficient, and makes the Service's seizure and forfeiture procedures more uniform with those of other agencies subject to CAFRA. DATES: This rule is effective August 24, 2023. ADDRESSES: Public comments and materials received on the proposed rule are available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS-HQ-LE-2016-0067. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward Grace, Assistant Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Ser…