Lawmakers Move To Fund Arizona Corrections Oversight Office

Lawmakers Move To Fund Arizona Corrections Oversight Office

by | Jan 3, 2026 | News

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.

Legislators Quietly Withdraw Bill to Require Students Held Back For Not Meeting Basic Criteria

Legislators Quietly Withdraw Bill to Require Students Held Back For Not Meeting Basic Criteria

by | Apr 3, 2021 | Education, News

By Corinne Murdock |

After House passage, a bill to require teachers to hold back any K-4 students if they don’t meet promotional criteria was withdrawn. It was scheduled to appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.

State Representative John Fillmore (R-Apache Junction) was the legislation sponsor. The bill would have required school boards to enact policies and procedures with teeth to enforce these changes.

However, the bill had major exceptions to the rule it sought to establish.

The bill would have allowed any third graders who were English language learners (ELL), experiencing a special education referral or evaluation, diagnosed with a “significant reading impairment” or disability to progress to the fourth grade without meeting criteria, or receiving intervention and remedial services. The exceptions would have also extended to any third grader who demonstrated “sufficient reading skills” or “adequate process” toward third grade reading standards.

Third grade is likely emphasized in this bill because it’s largely acknowledged as a critical progression point for children in their literacy. However, these exceptions wouldn’t have applied to third graders only.

The bill would have extended similar exceptions to first through fourth graders if they were given a special exception by the district’s governing board, an ELL, in the process of special education referral or evaluation, or diagnosed with a “significant reading impairment” or disability.

The House had passed it originally, with amendments, back in February along party lines.

Democrats opposed to the bill said that it would make students more likely to drop out and end up as criminals. They accused the bill of simply “failing” and “forced flunking” of students.

Certain studies have challenged that narrative. 2017 research from Harvard indicated that holding students back in the third grade didn’t increase their likelihood of dropping out of high school.

Republicans in support of the bill responded in kind.

“That’s the key word: what they need. What they need is education. They need to be able to prepare to go forward,” said State Representative Kevin Payne (R-Peoria). “If they’re being pushed along without the proper knowledge, that’s setting them up for failure. We’re not failing them, we’re holding them back. There’s a big difference.”

Fillmore ran a similar bill last year, one that would’ve extended to all grade levels.

Notes on the bill indicate that it was withdrawn from committee last week.Corinne Murdock is a contributing reporter for AZ Free News. In her free time, she works on her books and podcasts. Follow her on Twitter, @CorinneMurdock or email tips to corinnejournalist@gmail.com.