New Push for Prison Oversight Office Stalled by Governor

A bipartisan initiative aimed at establishing an independent prison oversight office in Arizona has encountered significant obstacles at the governor’s office, despite receiving widespread legislative backing. Advocates, including both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, have been lobbying for this additional oversight of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, marking the furthest progress made on this issue to date.

Concerns from the governor and the Department of Corrections have stymied the bill’s advancement, as two budget proposals emerged without the necessary $1.5 million allocation to fund the new office. As of June 19, some legislators continued to advocate for its inclusion in the budget, expressing optimism that the policy and associated funding could eventually be secured.

Senate Bill 1507, sponsored by Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, aims to create an oversight body tasked with monitoring prison conditions, investigating inmate complaints, disseminating information about inmate rights, and submitting annual reports to the legislature. Although similar proposals have repeatedly failed in previous years, Bolick’s bill garnered significant traction this session.

Despite being passed nearly unanimously through key Senate committees, the proposal’s future hinges on securing the needed budget appropriation. Bolick highlighted the strong support the bill has received across both legislative chambers, yet reservations from the Corrections Department and the governor’s office have introduced uncertainty.

The Corrections Department has maintained a neutral stance but cautioned that the proposed oversight could overlap with existing internal functions. Advocates argue, however, that both internal and external oversight are crucial for genuine accountability. Lauren Krisai, executive director of the Justice Action Network, emphasized the importance of comprehensive oversight mechanisms.

In response to the governor’s office requesting a reduction in the proposed oversight office’s responsibilities, Bolick insisted that the bill should remain intact. “There’s such bipartisan support for this that no one is interested in watering the bill down,” she stated, highlighting the need for transparency in correctional facilities.

Sen. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix, reinforced the Democratic caucus’s backing for the bill, referencing her experience on the Governor’s Independent Prison Oversight Commission, which was charged with inspecting prison conditions and making recommendations for improvement. The commission’s primary suggestion was the creation of a permanent oversight committee.

“It feels like a complete disservice,” Ortiz asserted regarding the pushback from the governor’s office, underscoring the dedication of those involved in the commission’s work. As of now, both the governor’s office and the Corrections Department have chosen not to comment on the situation.