Relating to the disposition of abandoned or unclaimed property seized by a peace officer.

Online notices for Texas owners’ seized property

The law applies to personal property seized by Texas peace officers beginning September 1, 2025; earlier seizures follow prior law. It excludes contraband subject to forfeiture, whiskey, wine, and malt beverages. Property must remain unclaimed for 30 days, not be evidence, and have no court order requiring destruction or return. Municipal officers must send qualifying property to a municipal designee; other officers must send it to the county purchasing agent. The sheriff handles disposal when the county has no purchasing agent. Owners can receive notice by certified mail at their last known address or through one-time posts on both the seizing agency’s website and social networking pages. Notices must describe the property, identify the holding officer and address, and give owners 90 days after notice to claim it. They must explain that unclaimed property will be disposed of, with proceeds going to the local treasury after reasonable expenses. For property worth at least $500, an unknown owner or address requires newspaper notice or posts on both online channels. That notice must also name the owner if known. Property worth less than $500 with an unknown owner can be sold or donated, with net sale proceeds going to the local treasury. Sales of property worth at least $500 require newspaper notice or posts on both online channels at least 14 days beforehand. Sale notices must describe the property, name the owner if known, and give the sale’s date and place. The law does not require disposal through a sale.