AZ HB2354

Requires the Director of the Department of Corrections to establish a standard cost comparison model for privatization when evaluating private prison contract proposals.

Mandates biennial comparisons of private versus public correctional services based on professional standards covering security, inmate management, programs, facility safety, administration, food service, personnel training, health services, discipline, and other matters.

Requires the Director to conduct a cost comparison of executed privatization contracts once every five years for each contract and report results to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

Expands subsection lettering from K through M to N through P to accommodate new comparison and reporting requirements in the statute.

Clarifies that proposals must demonstrate cost savings or superior quality services at equal cost, with performance measured against state-operated similar facilities.