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House to vote on forfeiture bill

LANSING, MI (AP)--   Michigan lawmakers plan to proceed with a bill making it easier for the government to seize property linked to suspected illegal activity. 

The legislation up for a vote Tuesday in the state House allows for the forfeiture of homes, cash and other assets in home invasion and rape cases. It's designed to crack down on human trafficking.

The bill lets law enforcement take property and not give notice of forfeiture for 56 days. The current deadline is seven days.

Supporters say police are facing budget constraints and changes in the law would give them more time to investigate intricate human trafficking cases. Critics say innocent people could go a long time without the use of a car and house while wondering if police will return the items or seek forfeiture.