Bill > SB1544

This bill establishes that adult probation records in Arizona are generally considered public records, meaning they can be accessed by anyone who requests them, unless specific exceptions apply. It clarifies that standard laws governing access to judicial branch records do not apply to adult probation departments, officers, or community supervision units. However, the bill mandates that certain sensitive information within these probation records must be protected or entirely withheld to safeguard victims, minors, medical or psychological information, ongoing criminal investigations, and the identities of confidential informants. If a record is withheld, the probation department must provide a written explanation within ten business days, cite the legal justification for withholding the information, and inform the requester of their right to appeal the decision to a court, which must hold a hearing on such appeals within twenty business days. The bill also allows courts to impose penalties for violations of these disclosure rules and award attorney fees. For the purposes of this bill, "probation records" are broadly defined to include various documents related to probation violations, internal policies, risk assessments, case summaries, audits, communications with supervising agencies, revocation outcomes, and data on high-risk cases and interventions.

Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85156