The proposed bill, HB2511, amends existing Arizona law regarding juvenile offenders by allowing them to voluntarily participate in a court-approved religious program as part of their diversion conditions. This new option can substitute for one of the previously outlined conditions, such as community service or counseling. Importantly, the bill stipulates that participation in the religious program must be voluntary and prohibits any coercion for the juvenile to change or adopt new religious beliefs.

Additionally, the bill makes technical changes to the numbering of the conditions for diversion, replacing the previous condition regarding nonresidential rehabilitation programs with the new religious program option. The overall structure of the diversion program remains intact, but the inclusion of a religious program provides an alternative pathway for juvenile offenders while ensuring their freedom of belief is respected.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-321
House Engrossed Version: 8-321
Chaptered Version: 8-321