Common law, the basis of modern-day law, provides that a private individual who finds property and takes the responsibility to give it into safekeeping has a greater right to claim that property than anyone else other than the true owner of the property. This makes sense. Unfortunately, Alaska Statute provides less than clear guidance to state departments about what they may do when an individual finds property and turns it in.

HB 318 affects property that is lost, mislaid, or delivered to a private individual by mistake, and turned in to a law enforcement agency, and is unclaimed by the rightful owner for one year.

HB 318:

• Allows private individuals who responsibly deliver property to a law enforcement agency to own that property after one year if possession of that property by that private individual is otherwise legal.
• Would not affect any municipal ordinance.
• Provides clear guidance to state law enforcement agencies.
• Encourages individuals to turn property into law enforcement agencies to find the rightful owner.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety and the Alaska Department of Revenue support this legislation, and I urge your support.