STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX –  Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman, Chairman of the House Government Committee, issued the following statement in support of SB1507, legislation sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick to establish independent oversight of Arizona’s corrections system:

“Arizona spends nearly $1.8 billion a year on its prison system—the second-largest item in our state budget. To make sure that money is spent wisely and that inmates are housed safely and responsibly, we need more than selective updates and closed-door briefings from ADCRR. We need independent oversight backed by facts.

SB1507 creates an office with the authority to investigate complaints, inspect facilities, and report publicly. This is a straightforward accountability measure. Right now, we’re operating on whistleblower tips, scattered media reports, and limited information. That’s no way to manage a system of this scale or cost.

The bill provides the oversight structure we need to identify problems early, improve conditions, and avoid expensive failures. It doesn’t replace internal oversight—it adds what’s been missing. Director Thornell and ADCRR stand to gain from this, and so do Arizona taxpayers.

I was proud to support SB1507 in the House Government Committee, where it passed unanimously. I urge my colleagues to pass it on the House floor. Oversight drives accountability—and accountability delivers better outcomes.”

Representative Walt Blackman is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 7 and is Chairman of the House Government Committee. Follow him on X at @BlackmanForAZ.