Inmate deaths spark calls for prison oversight funding | FOX 10 Phoenix

Rep. Walt Blackman and Sen. Shawna Bolick have introduced identical bills to secure $1.5 million in funding for an independent prison oversight office. While Gov. Katie Hobbs signed the office into existence last year, the watchdog remains unstaffed and inactive because no money was allocated for its operations in the previous budget. The renewed push for oversight follows a violent period within state facilities, including the deaths of three inmates killed in December. Advocates and lawmakers argue that an independent pair of eyes is necessary to address systemic security breaches, specifically concerning the entry of weapons and contraband into the prisons. Supporters of the legislation say the funding is a critical step toward providing transparency for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, which manages a budget of more than $1 billion. Blackman, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, said he intends to scrutinize the executive budget this session to ensure the $1.5 million investment is included. FOX 10's Nicole Krasean reports. Subscribe to FOX 10 Phoenix!    / @fox10phoenix   #news #arizona #az #fox10phoenix #inmates #prison #reform #politics #budget FOX 10 Phoenix delivers breaking news, live events, politics, entertainment, business news and local stories from Phoenix, Arizona and across the nation. Watch more FOX 10 Phoenix on YouTube:    • Arizona headlines (Archive 3)      • National headlines      • Top Videos