AZ HB2420

Requires the director to establish a standard cost comparison model for privatization to evaluate whether private prison proposals offer cost savings to the state.

Mandates biennial comparisons of services provided by private contractors versus state-operated facilities across 11 specified criteria including security, inmate programs, health services, and recidivism rates.

Requires the director to conduct cost comparisons of executed privatization contracts once every five years and provide results to the joint legislative budget committee for review.

Specifies that private prison proposals must demonstrate cost savings, functionally equal or superior service quality, and meet existing contract requirements including insurance, financial statements, and liability provisions.

Provides that cost adjustments to private prison contracts may not exceed the annual percent change in the consumer price index, with any additional adjustments requiring specific legislative authorization.