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DuPage board discusses pilot funding for biometric gun safes; requests legal and logistical study
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Summary
Board members discussed setting aside $10,000 to explore purchasing and distributing biometric gun safes as a violence-prevention and safe-storage measure; members asked staff and the state's attorney to review legality, eligibility checks and distribution logistics and requested further information before any appropriation vote.
DuPage County board members discussed a proposal April 14 to reserve $10,000 to explore purchasing biometric gun safes for residents and to fund expanded safe-storage education.
Member Honig introduced the idea, linking it to the Victims of Violence Memorial and recent board discussions at public health and mental-health forums. "With board support, we could also explore funding options to work with law enforcement partners to distribute biometric safes to residents who need them," Honig said.
Members expressed broad support in principle but asked staff to research implementation issues. Member Yu and others noted that in comparable programs (King County was cited), participants must show a valid ID when picking up a safe and organizers keep records to prevent duplication. County staff and health department representatives said they would collect data, assess grant options (including potential IDPH funding), and consult the state's attorney and sheriff's office about distribution safeguards. Health staff said they could lead outreach and public education but may not be positioned to handle identity verification and secure distribution without partner agencies.
County staff estimated the $10,000 placeholder might not buy many safes (biometric safes typically cost $50–$100 each), and suggested $25,000 may be more realistic for the quantity discussed. Board members asked that staff report back with legal guidance, program logistics, potential grant sources, and whether local police departments are already running similar giveaways.
No binding appropriation was taken; members asked staff to return with details for a possible future allocation vote.
