DISPOSITION OF FORFEITED PROPERTY

(a) The comptroller may sell property forfeited to the state at public or private sale in any commercially reasonable manner or retain the property for official use by the comptroller's criminal investigation division. Property retained for use under this subsection may later be sold by the comptroller under this section. (b) Subject to the provisions of Section 155.153, the comptroller shall deposit the sale proceeds, less expenses of seizure, court costs, and any investigation and audit costs, in the state treasury. (c) The comptroller shall use the sale proceeds to operate and administer the tobacco products tax program up to the amount appropriated by the legislature for this purpose. The comptroller shall allocate any sale proceeds that exceed the legislative appropriation as provided by Subchapter H. Any unused appropriations remain in the general revenue fund. (d) If an automobile or other vehicle seized under Section 155.143 is forfeited and retained by the comptroller under Subsection (a), the comptroller is considered the owner under Subtitle A, Title 7, Transportation Code. The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles shall issue a certificate of title for the vehicle to the comptroller. The comptroller may maintain, repair, use, and operate the vehicle with money appropriated for current operations.