AZ SB1029

Restructures the psychiatric security review board from a terminating agency (set to end July 1, 2023) into a permanent independent state agency with five voting members plus one nonvoting former judge as chairperson.

Establishes detailed hearing procedures for persons found guilty except insane, including timelines for initial hearings (120 days minimum), subsequent hearings (20 months minimum), and provisions for conditional release with supervised treatment plans requiring clear and convincing evidence.

Creates new statutory sections defining board authority over forensic patients, including powers to order conditional release in incremental steps (supervised passes, independent passes, community release), monitor compliance, and return persons to secure facilities for violations or mental health deterioration.

Transfers psychiatric security review board provisions from Title 31, Chapter 4 to Title 13, Chapter 38, Article 14 and clarifies the superior court retains jurisdiction over matters not delegated to the board, with procedures for transferring cases back to court for sentencing or supervised probation.

Appropriates operating costs and requires the board to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing cases heard, audit recommendations implemented, risk assessments completed, and compliance with statutory requirements.