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Bill

HB 2332

Concerning a cash reward for the recovery of firearms used in the commission of a crime.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Barkis and 17 co-sponsors

Washington establishes a cash reward program incentivizing citizens to report or recover firearms used in crimes, aiming to reduce gun violence through community participation.

First reading, referred to Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry.
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Bill Summary · HB 2332

Legislative bill overview

HB 2332 establishes a cash reward program in Washington State for individuals who provide information leading to the recovery of firearms used in the commission of a crime. The bill creates financial incentives to encourage public participation in returning or identifying crime guns, potentially offering rewards to those who report the location or turn in such weapons.

Why is this important

Gun violence and firearm-related crimes are significant public safety concerns. By creating financial incentives for firearm recovery, the bill attempts to reduce the circulation of crime guns in communities and encourage community members to report information that might otherwise remain unknown to law enforcement. This approach combines public health strategy with community engagement to address violent crime.

Potential points of contention

  • Perverse incentives: Offering cash rewards could theoretically incentivize criminal activity—such as individuals committing crimes to recover guns for the reward, or criminals using the program to launder weapons from their own crimes
  • Funding and implementation costs: The bill raises questions about program funding mechanisms, reward amounts, administrative oversight, and whether resources would be better spent on other crime prevention strategies
  • Effectiveness concerns: Critics may question whether cash incentives effectively change criminal behavior or community reporting patterns, particularly when witnesses may have other reasons (fear, distrust of police) not to cooperate regardless of rewards
  • Due process issues: The bill must clarify how rewards are verified and distributed while protecting informant identity and avoiding false claims or fraud

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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