Arizona

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM releases statement following Arizona House committee vote on prison oversight

PHOENIX – FAMM Vice President of Policy Molly Gill released the following statement after the Arizona House of Representatives appropriations committee passed a bill that would create independent oversight in Arizona’s prisons.

“The recent database fiasco is just one in a string of crises in Arizona’s prisons: riots, escapes, broken locks, undrinkable water, a health care lawsuit that costs the state millions,” Gill said. “Arizona’s prison system has proven it can’t police itself. Independent oversight is long overdue. How much is enough before legislators decide to hold prisons accountable?”

For nearly three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.