This bill proposes to extend the Mental Health Transition Program, which currently is set to be repealed on July 1, 2026, to a new repeal date of July 1, 2029. The bill also makes several technical amendments, including renaming the "Mental Health Transition Pilot Program" simply as the "Program" and clarifying the eligibility criteria for inmates. Specifically, it allows inmates who have not been convicted of certain offenses to be released three months earlier than their earliest release date based on their risk and needs.

Additionally, the bill maintains the requirement for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to administer the Program and contract with private or nonprofit entities to provide mental health transition services. It stipulates that up to 500 eligible inmates may be placed in the Program each fiscal year and mandates that information about the Program be provided to inmates with mental health conditions prior to their release. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the support provided to inmates with mental health issues as they transition back into the community.

Statutes affected:
Senate Engrossed Version: 31-291
House Engrossed Version: 31-291
Chaptered Version: 31-291