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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
transitional housing; DOC; contracts
Purpose
Allows the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to only enter into a contract with an Arizona licensed facility to provide transitional housing services for inmates for one year after the general effective date of this legislation and on the expiration of any contract that was entered into prior to the effective date, and which expires after the effective date.
Background
ADCRR is required to contract with private and nonprofit entities that provide eligible inmates with transition services in the community for up to 90 days. Rules adopted for the implementation of this program must include: 1) eligibility criteria for inmates; 2) a requirement that each contracted entity train mentors or certify that the mentors are trained; 3) a requirement that services offered to an inmate include psychoeducational counseling and case management services; and 4) a requirement that an inmate may only be released to the transition program after the victim has been provided notice and an opportunity to be heard. In awarding contracts for transition services, ADCRR must also: 1) conduct annual studies on recidivism rates for inmates who receive transition services; 2) submit a report of its recidivism findings that contains prescribed information; and 3) provide information about transition services to all inmates who may be eligible (A.R.S. § 31-281).
To be considered eligible for transition services, an inmate must: 1) not
be convicted of sexual offenses or violent crimes as outlined; 2) not have any
felony detainers; 3) agree in writing to provide specific information after the
inmate is released to be used for recidivism reports;
4) have made satisfactory progress by complying with all programming on the
inmate's individualized corrections plan; 5) be classified as minimum or medium
custody; and 6) not have been found in violation of any major violent rule
during the inmate's current period of incarceration or in violation of any
other major rule within the previous six months (A.R.S. § 31-281).
A contracted entity must establish a network that may include community and faith-based organizations to make mentoring services and assistance available to eligible inmates. Contracted entities may provide certain types of assistance, including basic academic education and assistance in finding employment and health insurance (A.R.S. § 31-282).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows ADCRR to only enter into a contract with an Arizona licensed facility to provide transitional housing services for inmates for one year after the general effective date of this legislation and on the expiration of any contract that was entered into prior to the effective date, and which expires after the effective date.
2. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 13, 2023
ZD/KS/sr