Justice Action Network Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Earned Release Credits Bill in Arizona House

The bill, passed unanimously (60-0), will incentivize rehabilitation, lower recidivism, and expand second chances 

(Phoenix, Ariz.) — Yesterday, the Arizona House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 2808 with a 60-0 vote. The bill, which was introduced earlier this month by Representative Walter Blackman (R-6), aims to incentivize nonviolent offenders to participate in programming that helps reduce recidivism upon release. House Bill 2808 will also allow nonviolent inmates to earn additional credits toward an earlier transfer from prison to community supervision if they complete a substance abuse program, major self-improvement program, or certain work programs.

“We applaud the Arizona House of Representatives for passing this important criminal justice reform bill, and thank Representative Blackman for his leadership on this issue and Chairman Allen for shepherding it through his committee,” said Lauren Krisai, Senior Policy Analyst at Justice Action Network. “If enacted, House Bill 2808 will shift Arizona’s criminal justice priorities toward a path that improves outcomes for those who have made mistakes and want a second chance. We look forward to working to ensure this smart legislation moves through the Senate and is signed into law.”

House Bill 2808 would make nonviolent offenders eligible to be transferred to serve their term of community supervision after spending a minimum of 70 percent of their sentences behind bars instead of 85 percent. The remaining 30 percent of their sentences would be served under community supervision. These additional earned release credits are contingent on completion of certain rehabilitative programming or 6 months of participation in certain work programs. This legislation would apply to current inmates who have already completed programs as well.

Arizona currently requires all inmates to serve 85 percent of their prison sentences before becoming eligible for transfer to community supervision—with the exception of drug possession offenders—making it one of only three states in the country that requires most or all nonviolent offenders to serve such a significant portion of their term behind bars. House Bill 2808 will incentivize rehabilitation by offering reduced length of stay opportunities for those who work hard to improve themselves while incarcerated, reduce recidivism, and expand second chance opportunities for those who earn it—making Arizona communities safer and reuniting families faster.  

House Bill 2808 will now go to the Arizona Senate for consideration.