The proposed bill would introduce a new section, 8-469.03, to the Arizona Revised Statutes, establishing a Nurse Home Visitor Grant Program under the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). This program aims to prevent child maltreatment and neglect, improve maternal and child health, and promote economic stability for families by providing voluntary, evidence-based nurse home visitor services to low-income pregnant women for three years. DCS would be required to award grants annually to eligible organizations that meet specific criteria, including offering services such as assessments, care coordination, and educational resources delivered by registered nurses. Additionally, the bill appropriates $6,000,000 from the state General Fund for fiscal year 2027 and allows for the hiring of five full-time equivalent (FTE) positions to administer the program. The appropriations would be exempt from lapsing until December 31, 2030, and the bill mandates that DCS publish annual reports on the program's activities and outcomes. The new section will be subject to a delayed repeal date of December 31, 2030, unless further legislative action is taken.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-469.03