§470aaa–7 Rewards and Forfeiture

Summary

The Secretary may pay rewards from penalties collected under section 470aaa–5 or 470aaa–6 or from appropriated funds. The amount follows any rules the Secretary makes. If there is no rule, the reward can be up to 1/2 of the penalty. Rewards go to people who give information that leads to a finding of a civil violation or to a criminal conviction for which the penalty was paid. If several people help, the money is split. Federal, State, or local officers or employees who helped as part of their jobs cannot get a reward. Paleontological resources tied to a violation under section 470aaa–5 or 470aaa–6 that are in anyone’s possession are subject to civil forfeiture, or to criminal forfeiture after a conviction. The Secretary may give seized fossils to federal or non‑federal educational institutions for scientific or educational use.