This bill proposes several updates to current statutes regarding prisoners in Arizona. It introduces new language to clarify the process for notifying victims about prisoners' release dates and expands the criteria for earned release credits. Specifically, it mandates that victims receive notice of a prisoner's earliest release date within thirty days of the prisoner qualifying for earned release credits. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the director of the state department of corrections must provide literacy programming and standardized assessments to inmates who have not demonstrated functional literacy at an eighth-grade level before they become eligible for release. The bill also allows for the restoration of forfeited release credits under certain conditions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing provisions related to the eligibility for transition programs and the calculation of release credits. It removes outdated language regarding the conditions under which inmates may be excluded from transition programs and clarifies that a previous conviction for a violent or aggravated felony applies only to those who committed the offense after turning eighteen. The bill also establishes a new framework for reporting on recidivism rates and the participation of prisoners in various programs, ensuring that data is collected and analyzed to improve future policies. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the management of prisoners and improve communication with victims while providing clearer guidelines for literacy and rehabilitation efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 13-4413, 31-229.02, 31-281, 41-1604.07, 31-229, 13-901.03, 41-3751, 13-3405, 13-3407, 13-3408, 13-3415