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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
REVISED
AMENDED
group home monitoring program; continuation
Purpose
Extends, to January 1, 2032, 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).
The Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) estimates that S.B. 1179 would result in an annual cost to the state General Fund of at least $1,200,000, based on prior appropriations for the Program. JLBC notes that the costs could be higher if the expense of retaining a contracted vendor exceeds prior appropriation levels (JLBC fiscal note).
Provisions
1. Extends the delayed repeal date of the Program from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2032.
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.
Amendments Adopted by the Appropriations, Transportation and Technology Committee
· Restores and extends the delayed repeal date.
Revisions
· Updates the fiscal impact statement.
Senate Action
HHS 1/15/26 DP 6-3-1
ATT 2/11/26 DPA 6-1-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 20, 2026
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