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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
group home monitoring program; continuation
Purpose
Removes the delayed repeal date of the Developmental Disabilities Group Home Monitoring Program (Program) and removes the stipulation that the Department of Economic Security's (DES's) obligation to contract with a designated entity to conduct the Program be subject to available appropriations.
Background
Laws 2022, Chapter 316 established the Program as a three-year pilot program until January 1, 2027, requiring DES, subject to available appropriations, to contract with the entity designated to operate the protection and advocacy system for persons with developmental disabilities in Arizona (designated entity) to conduct the Program. As part of the Program, DES must establish an expedited referral system to forward quality-of-care complaints to the designated entity for investigation. The designated entity must monitor group homes that serve clients with complex needs, use a monitoring tool to assess prescribed criteria and complete follow-up monitoring reviews. If the designated entity substantiates an allegation, the information must be shared with DES, the service provider and the Independent Oversight Committee on Persons with Developmental Disabilities. Laws 2025, Chapter 241 extended the Program past the three-year pilot period until January 1, 2028 (A.R.S. § 36-595.03).
If there is a cost associated with continuing the Program, there may be a fiscal impact to the state General Fund.
Provisions
1. Removes the delayed repeal date of the Program.
2. Removes the stipulation that DES's obligation to contract with a designated entity to conduct the Program be subject to available appropriations.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 26, 2026
MM/SDR/hk