Bill > HB2229

This bill establishes a new process for medical confinement release for prisoners in Arizona, allowing the Board of Executive Clemency to release prisoners under specific medical circumstances. Prisoners who are not serving a death sentence or life sentence may be eligible for medical confinement if a licensed physician diagnoses them with an incurable and incapacitating condition, an extraordinary medical circumstance that cannot be treated in a correctional facility, a terminal illness with less than one year to live, or are 75 years or older with irreversible deteriorating health. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to review the medical diagnosis and prepare a medical confinement plan. To be granted medical confinement, the prisoner must not pose a substantial risk of violating the law, the release must be medically appropriate, cost-effective, and in the prisoner's best interest. The process involves a detailed application, a medical evaluation by a physician, and a hearing by the Board of Executive Clemency. The board can grant medical confinement through a majority or unanimous vote, and must notify the prisoner of the decision. If denied, the prisoner can request reconsideration within 24 months if new information becomes available. The bill aims to provide compassionate release for prisoners with severe medical conditions while maintaining public safety considerations.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81973