Bill > SB1442

This bill appropriates $25 million from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) specifically for secure behavioral health residential facilities. The bill directs AHCCCS to distribute these funds to facilities that provide specialized treatment for one of two specific groups: individuals with serious mental illness who are chronically treatment-resistant and court-ordered to treatment, or individuals committed through a court order related to criminal proceedings. AHCCCS must issue a request for proposals by January 1, 2026, prioritizing facilities that can open quickly, meet geographic needs of the state, and demonstrating experience in behavioral health care. The funds can only be used to construct new facilities or retrofit existing buildings into secure behavioral health residential facilities. Recipients must comprehensively measure and evaluate clinical outcomes, independent living skills, program-specific metrics, and physical health using various assessment methods. By September 30 following each fiscal year, AHCCCS must report these evaluation findings to the governor, senate president, and house speaker, with personally identifying information redacted. The appropriation is exempt from standard state appropriation lapsing rules, meaning the funds will not automatically expire if unused.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/82860