The proposed bill establishes the Office of the Independent Corrections Oversight Committee, which will include an Inspections Section and a Complaints Investigation Section. This office is responsible for monitoring prison conditions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing assistance to inmates and local governments. Key changes from current law include the formal establishment of this oversight office, the definition of its functions, and the creation of a statewide reporting system for complaints and incidents. The bill mandates regular inspections, public reporting of findings, and the ability for the office to subpoena records, while emphasizing confidentiality and transparency to enhance accountability within Arizona's corrections system.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for the Office, such as providing detailed summaries of incidents, issuing recommendations for improvements, and classifying facilities based on safety and compliance. It strengthens the complaint investigation process by ensuring secure and confidential submission methods for inmates, protecting against retaliation, and requiring the Department to respond to inspection reports with corrective action plans. The bill also includes a sunset provision, setting a termination date for the Office in 2033 and a repeal of related statutes in 2034.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3033.01, 41-2353, 41-2352, 41-2354, 41-2358, 41-2356, 41-2355, 41-2357, 12-821.01, 41-2359