mental illness; prisoners; diagnosis; treatment.

Committee to improve inmate mental health care

The law creates a temporary committee to improve mental health screening and care for people in jail or prison. Members include lawmakers from both parties, the Corrections director, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System director, behavioral health leaders, prosecutors, defense counsel, law enforcement from large and small counties, and a family member of an incarcerated person with mental illness. The committee studies how to improve screening at arrest and in custody, including risks to self and others, and access to screenings. It must report its work and recommendations by December 31, 2026, and again by December 31, 2027, to state leaders and the Secretary of State. The committee meets at least once each year. Members do not get paid but can be repaid for expenses under state law (title 38, chapter 4, article 2). The committee ends on December 31, 2027, unless lawmakers renew it.