ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fourth Legislature

Second Regular Session

House: MVA DP 7-0-0-0 | APPROP DPA 10-0-0-1

HB 2139: appropriation; veterans' services; benefits counselors

Sponsor: Representative Lawrence, LD 23

House Engrossed

Overview

Provides funding to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) to hire additional benefits counselors.

History

Laws 1999, Chapter 164 established ADVS with a governor-appointed director. The duties of ADVS include but are not limited to: 1) Assisting veterans and their families and dependents in presenting, providing and establishing claims, privileges, rights and benefits they may have under federal, state or local law; 2) Informing veterans and their families and dependents and military and civilian authorities about federal, state and local laws enacted to benefit veterans and their families and dependents and members of the armed forces; 3) Collecting information relating to services and facilities available to veterans; and 4) Cooperating with all government and private agencies receiving services for or benefits to veterans and their families and dependents (A.R.S. § 41-603).

ADVS is currently appropriated 57 full-time equivalent positions for the Veteran Services Division. 42 are for veteran benefit counselors, of which only 30 positions are funded and filled.

Provisions

1. Appropriates $474,200 from the General Fund in FY 2021 to ADVS to hire additional benefits counselors. (Sec. 1)

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5. Initials JT/VG House Engrossed

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