Senate Bill 26-004

This bill establishes civil liability for law enforcement agencies for damage to property resulting from the execution of invalid or unlawful search warrants. The bill requires compensation to property owners and creates a private right of action.

The bill also establishes minimum evidentiary requirements for the issuance of search warrants, prohibiting reliance solely on statements or uncorroborated informant claims. A warrant obtained without sufficient independent evidence is deemed invalid. The bill further requires that seized property be returned within thirty days unless retained by court order or for an active prosecution.