Committee backs $1 million for prison art, music and trauma-informed rehabilitation programs

The Arizona House Appropriations Committee on March 25 voted to advance Senate Bill 11-12 as amended, sending a $1 million appropriation to the Arizona Department of Corrections to establish studio‑based rehabilitative programming focusing on art, music and other trauma‑informed modalities.

Brandon Lee, CEO and founder of Art of Our Soul, told the committee the program hires formerly incarcerated people as peer facilitators and offers art and music therapy, trauma‑informed yoga, breathwork and sound healing. "Among participants, we have seen a 71% reduction in disciplinary violations," Lee said, adding the program showed a 76% reduction in self‑harm behaviors and an 88% drop in mental‑health watches among those enrolled.

Carrie Gerst, who identified herself as a former inmate turned facilitator, said the program provided a safe space for people to process trauma and reconnect with themselves. "This program gave me purpose. It gave me dignity," Gerst said, urging lawmakers to continue support so others may heal and strengthen families.

Members pressed witnesses on evidence and funding. A representative of Banner Health and Mercy Care previously helped fund the pilot, Lee said, and the Department of Corrections has allowed staff participation to support officer wellness. Committee staff outlined that the amendment would require ADCRR to report by June 30, 2028, on how the money was used and effects on self‑harm, disciplinary incidents and recidivism.

Chairman Livingston asked staff to track any related steps after the committee phase; the committee approved the bill as amended by recorded vote, which the chair announced as 16 yeses and 2 noes. The bill must still clear the House and return to the Senate for final approval.

The committee also noted that broader reentry supports such as housing and employment are critical complements to in‑prison programming.