ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fifth Legislature First Regular Session

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HB 2672: prisoners; braille transcriber training program

Sponsor:  Representative John, LD 4

Committee on Military Affairs & Public Safety

Overview

Requires the Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) to establish a Braille Transcriber Training Program for inmates in facilities operated by or contracted by ADC.

History

The objective of ADC is to encompass the various institutions, facilities and programs which are a part of ADC or may become a part of ADC. This includes providing the supervisory staff and administrative functions at the state level of all matters relating to the institutionalization, rehabilitation and community supervision functions of all adult offenders (A.R.S. § 41-1602).

ADC operates a Rehabilitation & Reentry Education Program which aims to reduce recidivism. This program arranges to assist offenders in gaining skills within the correctional setting and the transition back into the community upon release. Educational services are provided in three basic program areas including Functional Literacy, GED Preparation and Work-Based Education.

Provisions

1. Requires ADC to establish a Braille Transcriber Training Program for inmates and allows the Program to operate in facilities operated or contracted by ADC. (Sec. 1)

2. Mandates that the ADC director to develop the application process, selection criteria and minimum performance standards for a service provider applying to participate in the program. (Sec. 1)

3. Directs ADC to award a grant to a service provider that:

a) Is a nonprofit organization;

b) Has provided braille transcription services in Arizona for at least ten years;

c) Has offered Braille Transcriber Training Programs and certifications to inmates for at least ten years;

d) Can oversee braille embossing and production in a correctional facility;

e) Can provide technical support for braille embossing equipment and software in a correctional facility; and

f) Can transition the support provided while incarcerated to an inmate after they are discharged. (Sec. 1)

4. Appropriates $250,000 from the general fund in FY 2022 to ADC for the Braille Transcriber Training Program. (Sec. 2)

5. Exempts these appropriations lapsing. (Sec. 2)

6. Terminates the Braille Transcriber Training Program on July 1, 2031. (Sec. 1)

7. Establishes an annual report to be created by each service provider and submitted to ADC including:

a) The number of inmates participating in the program;

b) The number of inmates who have completed the program and braille certified inmates;

c) The response rate to provide the transition support to a discharged participant;

d) The number of transcribed titles and page count; and

e) A summary of the evaluations and professional development of braille transcribers. (Sec. 1)

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i)                         HB 2672

j) Initials ES        Page 0 Military Affairs & Public Safety

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