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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
prisoners; transition program
Purpose
Allows the Arizona Department of Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to grant a onetime, 90-day extension for an inmate to continue receiving transitional services if certain conditions apply.
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 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).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows ADCRR to grant a onetime extension of 90 days for an inmate to continue receiving transitional services if all of the following apply:
a) ADCRR determines that the inmate will need additional treatment or intervention to adequately address the inmate's specific criminogenic needs;
b) the contracted entity that is providing the inmate's transition services uses an empirically validated, peer-reviewed instrument to evaluate the inmate's risk of recidivism and identifies the inmate's primary criminogenic factors; and
c) the contracted entity submits an updated individualized service plan to ADCRR.
2. Makes a conforming change.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
MAPS 2/13/23 DP 14-0-0-1
3rd Read 2/28/23 31-28-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2023
ZD/KS/sr