Governor Napolitano is expected to release her plans for overhauling Child Protective Services and alleviating overcrowding in the state’s prisons the first part of the week of Sept. 29 and then call a special session starting Oct. 20.

“That will give us three weeks for consensus building,” said Kris Mayes, the governor’s spokeswoman. “The governor believes we can all come together on these issues.”

Child Protective Services has drawn considerable criticism because of reports that children were injured or died after CPS had contacted the families but not removed the children.

As of Aug. 19, the Arizona Department of Corrections reported that it had 31,035 inmates — 4,107 more than the system’s bed capacity.

Ms. Napolitano met Sept. 23 with Senate President Ken Bennett, R-Dist. 1, and House Speaker Jake Flake, R-Dist. 5, to brief them on her plans.

The special session is also expected to address a $5 minimum withholding tax promoted by Sen. Jack Harper, R-Dist. 4, as part of the fiscal 2004 budget.

According to Associated Press, Mr. Bennett sent an e-mail to senators advising them the special session might “last longer than a few days,” and Mr. Flake was concerned about not having a consensus before a call is issued.

“I don’t know exactly what she wants,” Mr. Flake said of the governor. —