This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding homelessness in Arizona. It mandates that cities or towns with over seventy-five individuals experiencing homelessness must provide at least one shelter bed for every four individuals identified in the 2024 point-in-time homelessness count and establish a judicial diversion program for individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill also defines terms such as "judicial diversion program" and "point-in-time homelessness count," which are new additions to the law.

Additionally, the bill establishes a homeless shelter and services fund, which will be administered by the Arizona Department of Housing. It outlines the use of appropriated funds for grants to various entities for programs that provide shelter and services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill emphasizes the need for performance tracking and reporting by grantees, including demographic data and outcomes related to homelessness. It also includes provisions for prioritizing grants that enhance shelter capacity and improve service delivery, while ensuring that applicants do not enforce policies that ban public camping or sleeping.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 9-500.52, 41-3958, 22-601