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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session
prisoners; transition program
Purpose
Allows the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to grant a onetime, 90-day extension for an eligible inmate to continue receiving transition services if the inmate meets certain eligibility requirements.
Background
ADCRR must 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 up to an additional 90 days for an eligible inmate to continue receiving transition 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 that evaluates the inmate submits an updated individualized service plan to ADCRR.
2. Makes technical and conforming changes.
3. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
JUD 1/28/26 DP 6-1-0-2
3rd Read 2/25/26 52-2-6
Prepared by Senate Research
March 12, 2026
ZD/MY/ci