AZ SB1444

Amends the appointment process for the five-member board of executive clemency by shifting from gubernatorial appointment to appointments made by legislative leaders: the senate president (1 member), senate minority leader (1 member), house speaker (1 member), and house minority leader (1 member).

The four legislators-appointed members must select a fifth member by majority vote to serve as chairman; if they fail to do so within 15 days, the commission on appellate court appointments shall appoint the fifth member and chairman.

Removes the governor's authority to select the board chairman; instead, the four initially appointed members select the chairman by majority vote.

Allows current board members serving on the effective date to continue until their terms expire, with transition provisions for the sitting chairman to continue serving under prior law until all four new members are appointed.

Maintains existing qualifications requiring members to have broad professional or educational experience in corrections, complete a four-week training course, and serve five-year terms with no more than two members from the same professional discipline.