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Arizona must pay $2.65 million in attorneys fees from prison lawsuit
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry owes $2.65 million in attorneys fees after settling a nearly nine-year federal civil rights lawsuit over censorship of a legal magazine sent to inmates.
Hobbs more inclined to issue clemency than predecessors
Gov. Katie Hobbs granted seven of the nine recommendations sent by the Board of Executive Clemency since taking office, marking an early departure from the record of her Republican predecessor.
Corrections seeks funds to phase out inmate fees
The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry requested funding in the next fiscal year to start phasing out the use of fees on deposits to inmate accounts and visitor background checks to supplement the department’s building renewal fund.
Early release to home arrest for some inmates resurfacing
A bill allowing low-level offenders early release into a home arrest program could return to the Legislature next year after concerns over a lack of a fiscal note tripped up its passage last session.
Clemency board vacancy, staffing shortages raise concerns about due process
A board member vacancy and staffing shortages at the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency have given way to concerns about adhering to due process timelines and adapting to any prospective legislative changes.
Inmate can press claim that phone limits hurt right to stay in his kids’ lives
An inmate who claimed that the federal prison system’s 300-minute-a-month limit on phone calls infringed on his ability to be involved in his children’s lives should get a chance to present his case, an appeals court ruled.
Bill addresses release of terminally ill inmates
The Board of Executive Clemency would no longer have to seek out a governor’s signature to grant release to inmates with terminal illnesses and would generally expand the power of the board to grant medical release under a proposed bill.
Clemency advocates push for more attention, resources, additional board member
When it comes to recommendations from the Board of Executive Clemency, advocates for clemency say former Gov. Doug Ducey fell short in responding to requests for pardons and commutations.
Blackman prisoner release bill fails – again
There were plenty of issues taken up during the 171-day legislative session that ended June 30 that everyone knew would be contentious, even in January.
Prison oversight bill laudable, poorly executed
Does the corrections department require more accountability to taxpayers, more transparency and more professionalism? Yes; no question. Therefore, HB2167 is a laudable idea whose goals are poorly executed in the bill. It should go back to the drawing board.
Report lists economic benefits of early prison release
A report detailing economic benefits of proposed expanded earned release credits gives a look into a possible new middle ground in the debate on revamping Arizona’s prison system.
State prisons have potential for nearly 100% infection rate
The Arizona Public Health Association is urging the state’s health director to do more to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the prisons as studies and public health officials predict a nearly 100% infection rate.
