The proposed bill establishes the Study Committee on Inmate Mental Health Services, which will consist of various members including two representatives from the House and Senate, the Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, and other appointed members with specific backgrounds related to mental health and law enforcement. The committee is tasked with examining and recommending improvements to the mental health screening processes for individuals in jail or prison, and it is required to meet at least once a year. Additionally, the committee must submit reports on its activities and recommendations by the end of 2026 and 2027.

Current statutes regarding mental health evaluations and treatments for individuals in county jails and facilities operated by the Arizona Department of Corrections will be amended to remove specific provisions related to these processes, focusing instead on the establishment and functions of the new Study Committee. The bill also specifies that committee members will not receive compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and it includes a provision for the committee to be repealed after December 31, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 31-126, 31-226, 31-226.02, 36-521, 36-501, 31-227
House Engrossed Version: 31-126, 31-226, 31-226.02, 36-521, 36-501, 31-227