Determination of abandonment.

In order for property or proceeds to be deemed abandoned, a representative of the law enforcement agency having possession of abandoned property or proceeds shall file with the district attorney a sworn affidavit setting forth the circumstances of the abandonment, including the results of a search of records to identify the owner or lienholders. The records to be searched shall include records of the Alabama Department of Revenue, judge of probate, and the Secretary of State. After the filing of the affidavit, the district attorney or Attorney General may file an action in the circuit court to declare the property or proceeds abandoned. If the location of the owner, registrant, secured party, or lienholder is unknown, service shall be made at the last known address of the current owner, registrant, secured party, or lienholder, as well as by publication on a governmental web site or a newspaper of general circulation for a period of three weeks. The sworn affidavit and a certificate of service shall accompany any action filed by the district attorney to any order of court.

(Act 2014-306, p. 1103, §5.)