Obeying laws may soon really pay off in Washington, DC as lawmakers reportedly mull stipends for former criminals, just like in Richmond, California. However, only those who refrain from committing a new crime would be getting a reward. On Tuesday, the DC Council unanimously voted in support of a bill that, among other measures, proposes to pay residents in order to discourage them from committing offenses, the Associated Press reported. The measure is aimed at reducing the crime rate in the capital, where homicides increased 54 percent last year.
If the proposal makes it into a law, city officials would pick 200 people a year who are considered to be at risk of either committing or becoming a victim of a violent crime. The deal does come with some pre-conditions. There needs to be no criminal case pending and, to be paid, anonymous participants need to successfully improve their behavior and fulfill all obligations, as well as abstain from getting into trouble. FULL REPORT
