Documentary, House Bill Aim For Arizona Criminal Justice Reform

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Thursday, February 28, 2019 - 12:28pm
Updated: Thursday, February 28, 2019 - 2:00pm
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A push for criminal justice reform is happening across the country as strange bedfellows like the Koch Brothers and the ACLU find themselves on the same side for some proposed changes.

In Arizona, the push comes in the form of House Bill 2270, which would allow some prisoners to earn early release credits depending on adherence to the rules and participation in some treatment options.

The bill is stalled at this point, but the sponsor — Republican Rep. Walt Blackman — tweeted this week that “HB2270 is a vehicle to work and accomplish true prison reform.” And it could be revived, in some form, later in the legislative session.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has produced a documentary called "We Got This­" as part of the effort to encourage lawmakers to embrace reform.

The Show spoke with Joe Watson, communications director for the AFSC’s Arizona branch in Tucson, about what they’re trying to do via the documentary and on the ground efforts at the Capitol.

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