AZ SB1786

Establishes a mental health transition pilot program in the Department of Corrections to provide eligible inmates with community-based transition services including health care assistance, case management, housing, psychiatric management, drug testing, and transportation.

Limits the program to up to 500 eligible inmates per year who must be diagnosed as seriously mentally ill, eligible for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System benefits, and must remain in the program for at least 90 days before release.

Requires annual studies comparing one, two, and three-year recidivism rates between program participants and similarly situated inmates not in the program, with results reported to the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House by December 31 each year.

Appropriates $1,300,000 from the general fund for each fiscal year from 2021-2022 through 2024-2025 to implement the program.

Repeals the program on June 30, 2026.