The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes by adding a new section to Title 41, Chapter 11, Article 1 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, specifically section 41-1604.21, which pertains to criminal justice. This new section would require the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR) to submit an annual report to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) by November 1. The report must include detailed information on bed capacity at state correctional facilities and private prisons, including classifications by gender, total and rated beds, historical data from the previous two fiscal years, and projections for the current fiscal year.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the report address the rationale for any changes in bed capacity, including the elimination of permanent beds and plans to vacate beds without permanently removing them from the count. If ADCRR plans to open or close 100 or more rated beds after the report is submitted, it must provide a detailed plan to the JLBC for review prior to implementation. This legislative change aims to enhance transparency and oversight regarding prison bed capacity and management.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1604.21
House Engrossed Version: 41-1604.21