The proposed bill introduces the Office of the Independent Corrections Ombudsman within the Ombudsman-Citizens Aide, which is a new addition to current statutes. This office will oversee inmate health and safety, investigate complaints, and ensure compliance with rules related to inmate welfare. Key provisions include the appointment process for the Director, who must be qualified and free from recent ties to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR). The bill also mandates monitoring of confinement conditions, secure complaint channels, and annual reporting on activities, while establishing confidentiality protocols for communications.

Significant updates to current statutes include the Office's independence from the Ombudsman-Citizens Aide and the requirement for ADCRR to notify the Office of actions taken on recommendations. The bill repeals the requirement for ADCRR to submit an annual report to the Legislature and eliminates the Auditor General's compliance report on ADCRR programs. It appropriates $1,500,000 from the state General Fund for FY 2026 to support the Office and allows for the disclosure of complainant information under specific circumstances. Overall, these changes aim to enhance oversight, accountability, and transparency within Arizona's correctional system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1279.08, 41-1604, 38-211, 12-821.01
Senate Engrossed Version: 41-1384, 41-1604, 41-1610.02, 38-211, 31-281, 31-285, 41-1602, 41-1604.06, 41-1604.07, 41-1604.10, 41-1604.14, 12-821.01, 41-1822, 35-146, 35-147, 41-797
House Engrossed Version: 41-1604, 41-1610.02, 41-1822, 35-146, 35-147, 41-797
Chaptered Version: 41-1604, 41-1610.02, 41-1822, 35-146, 35-147, 41-797