The Overview

Arizona will test a new kind of intensive residential care for adults with the most severe mental illnesses under Senate Bill 1630, a three-year pilot signed into law June 22. The state already spends heavily on this population: more than $1.2 billion a year on behavioral health care for people with serious mental illness, about $20,000 per person, according to an August report by the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting. Yet secure treatment facilities promised years ago for some of the state’s sickest psychiatric patients have still not opened. ​

What the Law Does

The law creates a three-year pilot program offering enhanced residential treatment for adults with severe and persistent mental illness, focused on stability, accountability, and long-term recovery. Senate Bill 1630, which covers home and community-based services and mental illness, was signed into law in June by Gov. Katie Hobbs

The pilot targets adults whose conditions require more structured support than standard outpatient or community services provide. Sen. Hildy Angius said the bill creates a pathway to residential treatment that focuses on stability, accountability and long-term recovery. The three-year window gives the state time to measure outcomes before deciding whether to make the program permanent.

By the Numbers

Arizona's total population is about 7.4 million people across roughly 2.9 million households, according to 2024 American Community Survey five-year figures covering all ages. About one in eight Arizonans, or 12.5 percent, live below the poverty line, and 13.8 percent of Arizonans have a disability. About one in 10 residents, 10.5 percent, have no health insurance.

Legislative Status

Lead sponsor Sen. Hildy Angius (R-AZ-30) was joined by six cosponsors: Sen. Brian Fernandez (D-AZ-23), Sen. Mark Finchem (R-AZ-1), Sen. Rosanna Gabaldón (D-AZ-21), Sen. Catherine Miranda (D-AZ-11), Sen. T.J. Shope (R-AZ-16), and Sen. Carine Werner (R-AZ-4).

The Senate passed the bill 28 to two on March 4. The House passed it 42 to 13 on June 11. The Senate passed the bill 28 to one on June 12. Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) signed the bill June 22.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article