Bill > HB2356

This bill amends Arizona law regarding adult incarceration contracts for private correctional facilities by establishing more comprehensive requirements and oversight mechanisms. The bill mandates that any proposal for a correctional services contract must demonstrate the proposer's qualifications, ability to meet correctional standards, and proven track record of managing secure facilities. It allows the state to cancel contracts after the first year with 90 days' notice and limits annual cost adjustments to changes in the consumer price index. The bill introduces a significant new requirement for biennial performance comparisons between private contractors and state-run facilities, evaluating ten specific areas including security, inmate management, programs, facility safety, administration, and health services. Additionally, the bill requires directors to conduct cost comparisons every five years and provide these comparisons to the joint legislative budget committee. The legislation emphasizes that contractors must provide financial statements, adequate insurance coverage, and agree to be liable for emergency services costs. Importantly, the bill explicitly prohibits contractors from having decision-making authority over critical inmate-related procedures such as release date calculations, sentence credits, work assignments, and disciplinary actions, thereby maintaining state control over key correctional management functions.