ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

Second Regular Session

Senate: JUD DP 8-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 28-0-2-0

House: MAPS DP 15-0-0-0

SB 1212: veterans' services department; commission; continuation

Sponsor: Senator Leach, LD 11

Caucus & COW

Overview

Continues the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) and the Arizona Veterans' Service Advisory Commission (Commission) for eight years to July 1, 2030.

History

The ADVS assists and informs veterans and their families about rights and benefits they may have under federal, state or local law and is responsible for collecting information relating to services and facilities available to veterans. ADVS can act as the guardian, spouse or child of an incapacitated veteran in fiduciary matters, including as power of attorney, trustee or representative payee. ADVS can also act as the personal representative of the estate of a deceased veteran or the deceased spouse or child of a veteran (A.R.S. § 41-603).

ADVS administers funds including the State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund, the State Veterans' Cemetery Fund and the Military Family Relief Fund (A.R.S. §§ 41-608.01, 41-608.02, 41-608.04).

The Commission consists of nine veterans appointed by the Governor and is responsible for providing policy advice to the Governor and Director of ADVS regarding veterans' issues (A.R.S. § 41-602).

Established by Laws 1978, Chapter 210, the Sunset Review process provides a system for the Legislature to evaluate an agency to determine if the merits of the agency justify its continuation, modifications or termination.  During the Sunset Review process, an agency is reviewed by Legislative Committees of Reference (COR).  Each COR is required to hold a public hearing to discuss the sunset review and receive testimony from agency officials and the public (A.R.S. § 41-2954).

On December 9, 2021, the Joint House Military Affairs and Public Safety and Senate Judiciary Committee of Reference recommended the continuation of ADVS and the Commission for another eight years until July 1, 2030.

Provisions

1.   ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteContinues, retroactive to July 1, 2022, ADVS and the Commission until July 1, 2030. (Sec. 2, 4)

2.   Repeals ADVS and the Commission on January 1, 2031. (Sec. 2)

3.   Contains a purpose statement related to the continuation of ADVS and the Commission. (Sec. 3)

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7.                     SB 1212

8.   Initials FK/KM       Page 0 Caucus & COW

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