Arizona Senate Bill 1304 (SB 1304) - Fact Sheet

Bill Overview: Senate Bill 1304, introduced by Senator Steve Kaiser, seeks to establish a Home Arrest Program for eligible individuals in Arizona’s prison system. This program would allow certain inmates to serve the remainder of their sentences under supervised home arrest, offering structured reintegration while addressing challenges within the correctional system, such as overcrowding and understaffing.

 
Key Provisions:

Eligibility Requirements:

Must have served at least one year of their sentence.
Must be within 18 months of potential release.
Only non-violent, low-risk offenses are eligible (e.g., certain trespassing, burglary, and drug-related offenses).
Excludes those convicted of dangerous crimes against children, serious offenses, or violent/aggravated felonies.
Must have no disciplinary infractions or prior violent offenses.
Must not have participated in a prior Home Arrest Program.
Program Conditions:

Electronic Monitoring: Participants will be under 24/7 electronic surveillance.
Employment or Job Search Requirement: Participants must be employed or actively seeking employment.
Mandatory Testing: Regular alcohol and drug testing will be required.
Payment of Fees: Participants are responsible for electronic monitoring and supervision fees, with fee adjustments based on ability to pay.
Strict Adherence to Program Rules: Failure to comply may result in re-incarceration.
Victim Notification:

The Board of Executive Clemency will notify victims about the inmate’s request for home arrest.
Victims have the right to request and attend hearings, as well as submit written statements.
 
Key Benefits:

Enhanced Rehabilitation and Reentry Support:
SB 1304 facilitates a structured reintegration process, giving participants the opportunity to establish stability through employment and family support, reducing the likelihood of recidivism.
Addressing Overcrowding and Staffing Shortages:

Arizona’s prisons face significant overcrowding, creating challenges for both inmates and correctional staff.
Chronic understaffing further limits resources and heightens safety risks. Reducing the prison population through programs like home arrest allows resources to be more effectively allocated, easing pressure on staff and improving overall facility safety.
Cost Savings for Taxpayers:

The average cost of incarcerating an individual is significantly higher than the cost of supervised home arrest.
By reducing the prison population with carefully selected, low-risk participants, SB 1304 provides a more economical approach, allowing funds to be redirected to essential state services.
Public Safety Through Structured Monitoring:

Participants will be closely monitored via electronic surveillance and mandatory check-ins, maintaining accountability while supporting successful reentry.
The requirement for employment and testing ensures participants are contributing positively to the community and meeting behavioral standards.
Transparency and Victim Consideration:

The program includes a comprehensive victim notification process, upholding transparency and allowing victims to participate in decisions affecting their case.
 
Impact and Goals:

Easing Prison Overcrowding:
SB 1304 provides relief for overcrowded facilities by offering low-risk inmates a monitored pathway out of incarceration, which can reduce overall inmate numbers and improve facility conditions.
Supporting Community and Family Reconnection:
Many inmates eligible for home arrest have families and communities awaiting their return. This program would allow them to reconnect and support their loved ones, promoting stability and resilience.
Promoting Public Safety and Rehabilitation:
Through strict eligibility criteria, close monitoring, and structured support, SB 1304 balances public safety concerns with the potential for positive rehabilitation outcomes.
 
Support and Advocacy:

SB 1304 has garnered support from criminal justice reform advocates, budget-conscious policymakers, and communities affected by incarceration. By investing in structured reentry and providing low-risk inmates with a second chance, SB 1304 aligns with Arizona’s goals for responsible criminal justice reform and cost-effective governance.