NEWS: Arizona Lawmakers Overwhelmingly Approve Bill to Create an Independent Oversight Office to Improve Prison Transparency and Accountability
Justice Action Network applauds passage of SB 1507, the result of years of persistent advocacy and broad bipartisan support
PHOENIX, AZ — June 27, 2025 — Justice Action Network (JAN) celebrates the passage of Arizona Senate Bill 1507 that creates an Independent Correctional Oversight Office tasked with providing nonpartisan, independent oversight of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR). Years in the making, the passage of this bipartisan legislation marks a critical step toward greater transparency and accountability in Arizona’s correctional facilities.
“Arizona has spent tens of millions of dollars in legal fees racked up in federal court on lawsuits over chronic issues inside Arizona prisons,” said Lauren Krisai, Executive Director of Justice Action Network. “The oversight office this bill creates, paired with the improvements Director Thornell is making, will help to identify issues before they become widespread problems, or worse–another federal lawsuit that taxpayers will have to pay to defend.”
Justice Action Network, a national bipartisan group that advocates for smarter justice policies nationwide and has worked in Arizona since 2016, played a key role in developing SB 1507. JAN helped build momentum for the bill this year through direct advocacy, coalition-building, and public education by working with bill sponsor and champion Senator Shawnna Bolick (R–District 20), a diverse group of lawmakers, stakeholders, and other advocates who have led on this issue for years, including Praxis Initiative, FAMM, and Dream.org.
“It’s about time Arizona legislators will finally have unbiased information through an Independent Correctional Oversight Office bringing much needed transparency to our prisons,” said Sen. Shawnna Bolick, prime sponsor of SB 1507. “When issues in our prison system go unchecked, they don’t just harm incarcerated people, they affect families, staff, budgets, and public safety. With this new oversight office, we’re bringing these issues into the light and making a commitment to smart, effective corrections management.”
Senator Analise Ortiz (D-District 24), who previously served as a Commissioner on Arizona’s Independent Prison Oversight Commission, agreed. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to see SB 1507 cross the finish line. The overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill shows transparency and accountability transcends politics. I urge Governor Hobbs to sign this bill into law."
Representative Walt Blackman (R-District 7), who was a key supporter in the Arizona House and sponsored similar legislation in years’ past, said, “SB 1507 is a government efficiency bill I’m proud to support. I’ve called for oversight of ADCRR for years because I know that oversight drives accountability and accountability drives better outcomes. I am proud to see this bill cross the finish line and want to thank my colleague Sen. Bolick for her leadership on this issue this session.”
By identifying problems early, investigating complaints, and making recommendations for improvements, the office is expected to improve outcomes within the prison system, enhance operational efficiency, and help rebuild public trust.
“We’re proud to have played a role in this bipartisan effort to make Arizona’s justice system more fair, more transparent and ultimately, more effective,” Krisai said. “This bill proves that when lawmakers on both sides of the aisle come together to find common-sense solutions, real and lasting change is possible. We urge Governor Hobbs to swiftly sign this bill into law.”