Assigned to JUD FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1196
prisoners; transition services; noncontracted entities
Purpose
Requires the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to
allow noncontracted entities to provide eligible inmates with transition program services and
outlines requirements the noncontracted entity must fulfill in order to provide services to eligible
inmates.
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 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.
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.
Provisions
1. Requires ADCRR to allow noncontracted private or nonprofit entities to provide eligible
inmates with transition services. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1196
Page 2
2. Adds, to the rules that the Director of ADCRR (Director) must adopt to implement transition
services, a requirement that an inmate must use a contracted entity to provide transition
services unless the eligible inmate chooses a noncontracted private or nonprofit entity to
provide services.
3. Requires ADCRR to allow an eligible inmate to choose to receive transition services from a
private or nonprofit entity that is not contracted with ADCRR if the entity agrees to:
a) provide transition services to an eligible person;
b) be licensed by the Department of Health Services;
c) train mentors or certify that mentors are trained;
d) provide case management and inreach to an eligible person before the person becomes
eligible for transition services;
e) provide services to an eligible person that include psychoeducational counseling and case
management services;
f) provide physical health and wellness services; and
g) provide information to ADCRR to allow it to conduct its annual study to determine the
recidivism rate of eligible persons who receive transition services.
4. Specifies that the counseling and services may include substance abuse treatment, anger
management, cognitive behavioral therapy, parenting skills and family reunification training,
further education and job placement.
5. Requires the entity providing transition services to also provide:
a) employment, employment assistance and career counseling services;
b) basic academic education, general equivalency diploma preparation and postsecondary
education job training;
c) transitional needs, including housing, food or treatment services; and
d) assistance in finding health insurance coverage for the eligible person and, if applicable,
medical assistance including assistance in finding necessary medication.
6. Requires ADCRR to require an eligible person to receive transition services from a contracted
entity if a noncontracted entity does not comply with outlined requirements.
7. Requires a noncontracted entity to be given an opportunity to come back into compliance if
ADCRR determines that the noncontracted entity does not comply with outlined requirements.
8. Makes technical and conforming changes.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 5, 2024
ZD/cs