Committee backs Queen Creek pilot program to prevent youth runaways and enhance investigations

The committee advanced Senate Bill 15‑50, which would appropriate $1,255,500 in FY2027 from the State General Fund to the State Treasurer for distribution to the town of Queen Creek to fund a three‑year specialized law‑enforcement pilot focused on runaway youth prevention, investigative capacity, and collaboration with care providers.

Kendall Mullins (staff) summarized the program’s aims and funding level. Leah Martineau, a Queen Creek council member who also works with the Arizona Anti‑Trafficking Network, urged the committee to support the bill, describing local residential treatment partners and the intended model: two specially trained officers dedicated to prevention, rapid response and investigation. "With the right interventions and the attention that they need, we can make a real impact in their lives for the better," she said.

Chief Randy Bryce of the Queen Creek Police Department clarified that the bill builds operational capacity and is distinct from procedural reforms in other bills; he said the town has already dedicated personnel and administrative support to the effort and that the appropriation would enlarge an existing structure rather than replace it.

After brief committee discussion about local cost‑sharing, the committee moved and approved a due‑pass recommendation for SB 15‑50 (7 ayes, 2 noes, 1 not voting). Several members said they hope the model will be shared and replicated if successful.

What’s next: SB 15‑50 advances to the Senate floor; the sponsor and local officials said they will continue to work on cost‑share and implementation details prior to floor consideration.