The proposed bill amends Arizona Revised Statutes to establish a framework for granting medical confinement to prisoners, excluding those sentenced to death or natural life. It outlines specific criteria for eligibility, including suffering from an incurable condition, extraordinary medical circumstances, terminal illness, or being 75 years or older with deteriorating health. The bill mandates that the state department of corrections review medical diagnoses, prepare a confinement plan, and ensure appropriate supervision and care for released prisoners. Additionally, it requires the board of executive clemency to consider various factors, such as the likelihood of reoffending and the medical appropriateness of release.
Key changes from current law include the introduction of detailed eligibility criteria for medical confinement, a structured application process, and the requirement for a hearing within 28 days of application submission. The bill also emphasizes the need for periodic medical evaluations and conditions for the released prisoners, as well as the ability for prisoners to request reconsideration of denied applications within 24 months if new information arises. Overall, the bill aims to provide a more systematic approach to medical confinement, ensuring that prisoners' health needs are adequately addressed while maintaining public safety.
Statutes affected: Introduced Version: 31-419