PHOENIX (AP) - The state of Arizona is urging a judge not to impose more contempt-of-court fines in a lawsuit over health care for prisoners.
Lawyers representing prisoners are seeking a fine because they say the state has failed to document its noncompliance with a settlement requiring improvements to inmate care.
The state's attorneys argued Monday that it isn't reasonably possible to comply with the requirement that every instance of noncompliance be reported.
The request marks the third major attempt to fine the state in the lawsuit.
The state was fined $1.4 million a year ago for failing to adequately follow through on its promises when settling the case.
Two months ago, a judge threatened additional fines after concluding the state remains noncompliant with many elements of the settlement.
