The proposed bill would create a new chapter in the Arizona Revised Statutes to establish the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program, which aims to support healthy pregnancies and childbirth by providing grants to eligible nonprofit organizations. The bill introduces definitions for key terms such as "attending physician," "client," "contract management agency," and "direct client service provider," clarifying the roles of entities involved in the program. It specifies that grant funds can be used for services like medical care, nutritional support, housing assistance, and parenting education, while explicitly prohibiting the use of funds to promote or perform abortions, except in life-threatening situations.
In addition to establishing the program, the bill outlines eligibility criteria for grant recipients, including requirements for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and financial accountability. The Arizona Department of Health Services would oversee the program, managing grant applications, ensuring compliance through audits, and publishing criteria for service providers. The bill also mandates that direct client service providers maintain confidentiality and report their services annually, thereby creating a structured framework for supporting pregnancy-related services while adhering to specific guidelines regarding the use of grant funds.