The bill establishes a new "crime firearm reward program" aimed at incentivizing individuals to provide information to law enforcement regarding firearms used in the commission of crimes. Under this program, individuals who submit relevant information about the location of such firearms may receive a cash reward of up to $500, and if the firearm is linked to a felony conviction, the reward can increase to $5,000. However, law enforcement officers, individuals with outstanding warrants, and government employees are excluded from receiving these rewards. The funding for these rewards will come from the county and municipal criminal justice assistance accounts, as outlined in the amendments to RCW 82.14.310, 82.14.320, and 82.14.330.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to clarify the use of funds from the county and municipal criminal justice assistance accounts, ensuring that they are exclusively used for criminal justice purposes. Notably, it includes provisions for payments made pursuant to the new crime firearm reward program as an eligible use of these funds. The amendments also maintain the requirement that these funds cannot replace existing funding for criminal justice activities, thereby reinforcing the commitment to enhance public safety and support law enforcement efforts.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 82.14.320, 82.14.330