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Lawyers unable to reach new deal over inmate care in Arizona

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Posted at 11:49 AM, Jan 14, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-14 14:32:58-05

PHOENIX (AP) - Attorneys trying to renegotiate a settlement over health care in Arizona's prisons say they're unable to reach a new deal.

A judge will now decide whether to order more mediation sessions or toss the earlier agreement and schedule a trial.

The negotiations were ordered after the judge criticized the state's failure to fulfill its promises to improve inmate care.

Attorneys for the inmates said Monday that they want a trial. The state is seeking more mediation. Its failure to comply with the settlement led to a 2018 contempt-of-court finding against the then-corrections chief and a $1.4 million fine.

A judge has threatened more fines.