§40-17A-13. Confidentiality of records and reports; violation; publishing statistics; applicability of forfeiture laws.

(a) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, neither the commissioner nor a public employee may reveal facts contained in a report or return required by this chapter, nor can any information contained in such a report or return be used against the dealer in any criminal proceeding, except in connection with a proceeding involving taxes due under this chapter, unless such information is independently obtained.

(b) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a Class C misdemeanor.

(c) This section does not prohibit the Commissioner of Revenue from publishing statistics that do not disclose the identity of dealers or the contents of particular returns or reports.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter or any other provision of law, including the revenue code, collection of any taxes under this chapter or imposition of any revenue liens arising as a result of this chapter, shall not interfere with any forfeiture and condemnation of money or any other type or kind of property whatsoever under the drug forfeiture laws of this state, or with any distribution of property or funds under the drug forfeiture laws of this state. Regardless of the order in which proceedings are begun, condemnation and forfeiture of money or any other type or kind of property whatsoever and distribution of property and funds under the drug forfeiture laws of this state shall always take precedence over any proceedings to collect taxes under this chapter.

(Acts 1988, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 88-785, p. 218, §13.)