The bill SB1739 proposes several amendments to existing Arizona laws related to criminal justice, primarily to implement the FY 2025 state budget. Key changes include renaming the "Court Appointed Special Advocate Fund" to the "Court Appointed Special Advocate and Vulnerable Persons Fund," allowing funds to be used for court functions benefiting vulnerable persons. It also delays the prohibition on the Attorney General using funds for salaries from August 27, 2024, to August 27, 2025, and mandates the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to prioritize in-state residents for concealed carry weapon permits while requiring annual reporting on permit issuance and application status.

Additionally, the bill allows for the continued use of funds from the Fentanyl Prosecution and Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Funds beyond FY 2024, with both funds set to be repealed on July 1, 2025, and any unspent funds transferred to the state General Fund. It modifies the Arizona State Nonprofit Security Grant Program to allow funding for hiring security personnel and establishes a review panel to assess grant applications. The bill also provides flexibility for the Arizona Department of Corrections to use certain appropriated funds for any department expenses in FY 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and reach of various criminal justice programs while ensuring fiscal accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-568, 8-524, 12-268, 13-2314.01, 13-3112, 41-1758.06, 5-554, 41-199, 41-1727, 15-244.01, 8-134, 8-322, 8-203, 35-190, 13-2301, 13-2312, 13-2314.03, 13-4315, 41-196, 13-4301, 41-1278, 4-229, 4-244, 13-3101, 41-1750, 108-277, 35-146, 35-147, 41-1722
Senate Engrossed Version: 5-568, 8-524, 12-268, 13-2314.01, 13-3112, 41-1758.06, 5-554, 41-199, 41-1727, 15-244.01, 8-134, 8-322, 8-203, 35-190, 13-2301, 13-2312, 13-2314.03, 13-4315, 41-196, 13-4301, 41-1278, 4-229, 4-244, 13-3101, 41-1750, 108-277, 35-146, 35-147, 41-1722