The bill amends section 41-196 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which pertains to the authority of the director of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in providing security for government witnesses and their families. The proposed changes clarify that the director, with the attorney general's concurrence, can initiate security measures for witnesses involved in criminal or civil proceedings. It expands the director's authority to include the purchase, rental, or modification of protected housing facilities and allows for contracting with government entities to provide necessary services. Additionally, the language has been updated to use gender-neutral terms.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the conditions under which protection may be offered, specifying that the director can condition the offer on reimbursement from the government for the costs associated with maintaining and protecting the individual. This change emphasizes the potential for cost-sharing between the state and local governments in witness protection efforts. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational capabilities of the DPS in ensuring the safety of witnesses while also addressing financial responsibilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-196