ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session
	House: CJR DPA 8-1-0-0

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HB 2163: prisoners; discharge; transition program

Sponsor:  Representative Blackman, LD 6

Caucus & COW

Overview

Modifies the Department of Corrections (Department) requirements for the prison inmate transition program (Program). 

History

The Department is required to establish a Program providing eligible inmates with transition services (Services) for up to 90 days. The Department must administer the Program and contract with private or nonprofit entities to provide eligible inmates with Services. Certain specified criteria must be met for an inmate to be eligible for Services. Each contract awarded to entities that are providing Services must train mentors and offer specified counseling and treatment.  (A.R.S. § 31-281)

Provisions

1. Requires the Department to inform a prisoner at least one month before the prisoner's discharge date.  (Sec. 1)

2. Requires the Department, beginning on July 1, 2021 and each year thereafter, to release at least 3,500 eligible inmates into a Program.  (Sec. 2)

3. Removes the requirement that an inmate be classified by the Department as a low violence risk to the community to qualify for Services.  (Sec. 2)

4. Extends the Program for 10 years from 2020 to 2030.  (Sec. 3)

5. Contains two retroactivity clauses.  (Sec. 4)

Amendment

Committee on Judiciary

1. Specifies only inmates classified as a low violence risk to the community are eligible for the Program.

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                        HB 2163

Initials JR        Page 0 Caucus & COW

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