Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997
Latest action (15 May 1997): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 1645, the Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997, would amend federal criminal law to create a new offense for theft committed by public officials "under color of law." Specifically, it would add a section to title 18 of the U.S. Code making it a crime for anyone acting under the authority of law, regulation, or custom to deprive a person of property, punishable by a fine, up to 15 years in prison, or both. If the property involved is a controlled substance, the penalty would instead match the penalty for illegal possession of that substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to keep records of controlled substances that come into their possession during law enforcement activities, with the Attorney General required to report annually to Congress on the types and amounts recorded.
The bill primarily affects public officials, particularly law enforcement officers, by establishing criminal liability and penalties for misappropriating property—including seized drugs—while acting in an official capacity. It also affects federal recordkeeping and reporting practices for controlled substances seized by law enforcement.
The bill was introduced in the House on May 15, 1997, by Rep. Maxine Waters and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 105th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal criminal code to set penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment, a fine, or both for theft under color of law. Specifies that if the stolen property is a controlled substance, the penalty shall be the same as for the offense of possessing such substance under the Controlled Substances Act. Requires: (1) each law enforcement authority in the United States to make and maintain records of controlled substances that come into their possession during the course of law enforcement activities; and (2) the Attorney General to include in the annual report to the Congress information regarding the types and amounts of controlled substances for which such records have been made during the period covered by the report.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1645 do?
- H.R. 1645, the Drug Seizure Accountability Act of 1997, would amend federal criminal law to create a new offense for theft committed by public officials "under color of law." Specifically, it would add a section to title 18 of the U.S. Code making it a crime for anyone acting under the authority of law, regulation, or custom to deprive a person of property, punishable by a fine, up to 15 years in prison, or both. If the property involved is a controlled substance, the penalty would instead match the penalty for illegal possession of that substance under the Controlled Substances Act. The bill would also require law enforcement agencies to keep records of controlled substances that come into their possession during law enforcement activities, with the Attorney General required to report annually to Congress on the types and amounts recorded. The bill primarily affects public officials, particularly law enforcement officers, by establishing criminal liability and penalties for misappropriating property—including seized drugs—while acting in an official capacity. It also affects federal recordkeeping and reporting practices for controlled substances seized by law enforcement. The bill was introduced in the House on May 15, 1997, by Rep. Maxine Waters and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. It did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 105th Congress.
- Has H.R. 1645 become law?
- Not yet. As of 15 May 1997, H.R. 1645 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1645?
- H.R. 1645 was sponsored by Rep. Maxine Waters [D-CA43] (Democrat-CA), with 35 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1645?
- Introduced (15 May 1997).
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