The Senate of the Republic unanimously approved the Extinction of Ownership Bill on 26 July 2022. The controversial bill had generated countless discussions, disagreements and debates, and positions for and against for more than a decade.
The unanimous vote in favor by the senators on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 puts an end to years of debates in both houses of Congress. Senators and deputies have finally reached agreements and passed the Dominican Republic’s forfeiture law. There was a unanimous vote in both houses. The Senate passed the bill received from the Chamber of Deputies with 37 amendments with a unanimous vote. The bill was given organic law status that required the approval of two thirds of the senators present.
For the passing, 29 senators were present and all voted in favor. The bill calls for a sabbatical year in which more amendments could be made before the law enters into force.
The bill declares the means for the forfeiture of assets, control, disposition or possession over goods that have been acquired through the fruit of illicit activities or contrary to the law.
Among the illicit acts subject to the extinguishment of ownership are the illegal trafficking of drugs, controlled substances, human beings, persons, organs and weapons; terrorism-related offenses; child pornography, kidnapping, extortion, and counterfeit currency.
Among the modifications endorsed by the senators and made by the deputies, is the elimination of “retrospectivity,” which was one of the main criticisms made by legislators and jurists who alleged this would violate the Constitution.
The spokesman of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), Yván Lorenzo, said he was “satisfied” with the advances made and the consensus reached.
The US Embassy expressed its support for implementing the Extinction of Domain Bill approved in the Senate of the Republic. “We are ready to support the implementation of the Extinction of Dominion Law,” the US Embassy wrote on its Twitter account.
The US Embassy considers that the National Congress took one of the most important steps in the fight against organized crime and corruption.
“The United States will always support those who fight for justice and transparency,” the US Embassy indicated.
The bill now moves to the Presidency for enactment.
Read more in Spanish:
The Extinction of Domain Bill
El Caribe
Listin Diario
27 July 2022