Key Changes and Highlights
New Civil and Criminal Penalties for Fraudulent Claims
For Persons:
- Any person who files a claim for another person’s unclaimed property without consent and with intent to deprive the owner is subject to a civil penalty equal to the total value of the property.
- The person is also guilty of a Class I felony.
- The offender may also be assessed the costs of prosecution.
For Locator Services:
- If a claim is submitted by a locator service and the agreement filed with DOR does not comply with statutory requirements, the claimant is subject to:
- A civil penalty equal to the total value of the unclaimed property, plus
- $1,000 for property valued at $15,000 or less, or $2,500 for property valued at more than $15,000.
- DOR must post on its website the name and address of each person assessed a penalty for a noncompliant locator service claim, along with:
- The amount of the penalty, and
- The date of posting.
- This information must be posted within 90 days after appeal rights expire and must remain publicly available for at least 12 months.
Attorney General Authority
The bill authorizes the Attorney General, upon request from DOR, to represent the state or assist a district attorney in prosecuting cases arising under the new fraudulent claim provisions.
Waiver Authority
AB 666 clarifies that DOR may waive civil penalties.
Effective Date: March 22, 2026