By Jonathan Eberle |
Republican leaders in the Arizona Legislature have introduced companion bills aimed at funding a newly created corrections oversight office, a move they say is necessary to restore independent accountability within the state’s prison system.
House Government Committee Chairman Walt Blackman (R-LD7) and Senate Regulatory Affairs & Government Efficiency Chairman Shawnna Bolick (R-LD2) announced the legislation in December, arguing that the oversight office—authorized by lawmakers during the previous session—has remained dormant due to a lack of funding.
Blackman’s proposal, House Bill 2063, and Bolick’s Senate Bill 1032 would appropriate $1.5 million to launch the Department of Corrections Oversight Office. According to the bill sponsors, the funding would allow the office to operate independently of both the Legislature and the Governor’s Office, preserving its role as a third-party watchdog.
Under the legislation, the oversight office would be tasked with reviewing prison conditions and operations, receiving complaints and tips from the public, and identifying systemic issues before they develop into larger crises. Supporters say the goal is to prevent costly litigation, reduce the risk of federal intervention, and improve safety and accountability within Arizona’s corrections system.
“Arizona already spends nearly $2 billion a year on corrections, yet serious problems continue to go unanswered,” Blackman said in a statement. He added that concerns raised by whistleblowers, families, and corrections staff have persisted for years and have ultimately resulted in higher costs for taxpayers. Blackman described the proposed funding as a modest investment that could lead to greater transparency and long-term savings.
Bolick echoed those concerns, emphasizing that the office cannot fulfill its intended purpose without financial support. “We created this office to provide independent oversight, but without funding it exists only on paper,” she said. Bolick pointed to rising legal expenses and ongoing court involvement as evidence that additional accountability mechanisms are needed.
Arizona’s prison system has faced increased scrutiny in recent years following reports of violent incidents, operational shortcomings, and mounting legal costs. The state continues to spend tens of millions of dollars on litigation and court monitoring, including expenses related to the Jensen v. Thornell case, in addition to routine prison operations and health care costs.
Lawmakers backing the bills argue that a fully funded oversight office would help identify problems earlier, improve conditions for inmates and staff, and reduce the likelihood of prolonged legal battles or federal oversight. They contend that the proposed funding represents a preventative approach rather than a reactive one.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
