The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) strongly opposes Senate Bill 1498, which expands civil asset forfeiture laws to include digital currency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets. This bill represents a significant escalation of government overreach and violates the core principles of due process, property rights, and individual liberty.

The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) strongly opposes Senate Bill 1498, which expands civil asset forfeiture laws to include digital currency, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other digital assets. This bill represents a significant escalation of government overreach and violates the core principles of due process, property rights, and individual liberty.

1. Civil Asset Forfeiture Is Government Theft
   LPTexas opposes all forms of civil asset forfeiture, which allows the government to seize property without securing a criminal conviction. Expanding this unjust process to digital property compounds the abuse and further undermines the rights of Texans to be secure in their possessions.
2. Violates Due Process and Presumption of Innocence
   SB 1498 enables law enforcement to confiscate digital assets based on mere suspicion, not a guilty verdict. This directly contradicts the Libertarian commitment to due process and the principle that individuals are innocent until proven guilty.
3. Threatens Financial Privacy and Innovation
   Digital currencies represent a growing frontier for economic freedom and privacy. By targeting them for seizure, SB 1498 threatens innovation and punishes those who choose decentralized alternatives to state-controlled financial systems.

Conclusion
The Libertarian Party of Texas urges the Legislature to reject SB 1498. Rather than expanding unconstitutional asset forfeiture schemes, Texas should abolish civil asset forfeiture entirely and uphold the fundamental rights of property ownership, due process, and financial freedom.