SB1091

THE CONTEXT: Pursuant to A.R.S. 31-281, DOC provides a transition program for eligible inmates. This transition program is to train mentors and offer at least psychoeducational counseling and case management services. It may additionally provide counseling and services for: 1) substance abuse treatment; 2) anger management; 3) cognitive behavioral therapy; 4) parenting skills and family reunification training; 5) further education; and 6) job placement. DOC contracts with private or nonprofit entities to provide these services to eligible inmates.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would require DOC to allow noncontracted providers to provide eligible inmates in its prisoner transition program with transition services, permits an eligible inmate in the transition program to choose a noncontracted provider to provide his transition services, and stipulate the noncontracted provider must meet various requirements before it can provide transition services, it must have a service capacity of at least 200 individuals and agree to: a) Providing transition services to an eligible inmate; b) Be licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services; c) Train mentors or certify that mentors are trained; d) Provide case management and inreach to eligible inmates before they become eligible for transition services; e) Supply various specified counseling, education, health, transitional and case management services; f) Provide physical health and wellness services; and g) Furnish information to DOC to allow DOC to conduct its annual study to determine the recidivism rate of eligible inmates who receive transition services.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to turn the Legislature's standard for prisoners into an enforceable rule. It would require DOC to allow noncontracted providers to provide eligible inmates in its prisoner transition program with transition services, and would also permits an eligible inmate in the transition program to choose a noncontracted provider to provide his transition services, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.