[The] state's power to seize alien property holdings under the alien land act was strengthened by two bills signed by Gov. Earl Warren.

The two measures were drawn following recommendations made by a senate interim committee on Japanese problems headed by Sen. Hugh P. Donnelly, D., Turlock.

One of the bills removes the time limit on the state's prosecution of cases under the 1920 law, affecting cases involving agricultural property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, Charles W. Johnson, assistant attorney general, explained.

The other gives the attorney general power to instruct district attorneys to assist in alien land law cases. Formerly the authority was split between the two authorities, frequently resulting in failure to prosecute, Johnson said. The second act also gives half the proceeds from the state-seized property to the county. Johnson said this may expedite prosecution in cases where the county delayed action because it was unable to bear the expense of court costs.

Nearly all the cases in question involve property owned by Japanese aliens, Johnson said.