Support for HB 2861: Victim-Requested Destruction of Weapons

I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 2861, introduced by Representative Nguyen, which would give crime victims the right to request destruction of weapons used against them in serious violent crimes and sexual offenses. This bill addresses a significant gap in victim rights by creating Arizona Revised Statutes Section 13-4444, which requires law enforcement agencies to notify victims of their right to request destruction of deadly weapons or dangerous instruments involved in Chapter 11 sexual offenses or offenses resulting in serious physical injury. When a victim makes this request, the agency must destroy the weapon as soon as practicable once the prosecutor confirms it is no longer needed as evidence. For survivors of sexual assault and violent crime, knowing that the weapon used against them will be sold back into circulation can cause ongoing trauma and anxiety. This bill recognizes that victim recovery extends beyond the courtroom and gives survivors meaningful control over a deeply personal aspect of their case. The legislation balances this victim right with Arizona's existing framework by maintaining the general prohibition on government-facilitated firearm destruction except in these specific circumstances outlined in Sections 13-3105, 13-4444, and 17-240. The bill preserves law enforcement's ability to sell or trade unclaimed firearms and weapons forfeited through conviction, ensuring agencies can still obtain needed equipment and that proceeds continue flowing to the general fund. It simply carves out a narrow exception when a victim of serious violence or sexual assault requests destruction of the specific weapon used against them. This is a commonsense reform that prioritizes the wellbeing of crime victims without broadly restricting firearm rights or law enforcement operations. I urge you to support HB 2861 and give Arizona crime victims this important tool for healing and recovery.