Assigned to MAPS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1609
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.
FACT SHEET
S.B. 1609
Page 2
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