ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature First Regular Session
	Senate: APPROP DP 10-0-0-0 | MAPS DP 7-0-0-0 | 3^rd Read DPA 24-4-2-0 House: MAPS DP 14-0-0-1 | 3^rd Read DPA 31-29-0-0 Final Pass: 16-12-0-2

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SB 1454: veteran suicide prevention; pilot program

Sponsor: Senator Shope, LD 16

Transmitted to Governor

Overview

Creates the Arizona Veterans Memorial State Park (Park) under the aegis of the Arizona State Parks Board (Board) and appropriates $10,000,000 for this purpose. Creates the Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Pilot Program (Program) in the Arizona Department of Veteran Services (ADVS).

History

The Board is charged with selecting, acquiring, preserving, establishing and maintaining areas of natural features, scenic beauty, historical interest, scientific interest, zoos and botanical gardens, for the education, pleasure, recreation and health of the people of Arizona. The Board manages, operates and develops state parks and historical monuments throughout Arizona (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 3, Article 1.1).

ADVS informs veterans and various groups about federal, state and local laws enacted to benefit veterans and their dependents, as well as collect information of available services. It is required for ADVS to evaluate, supervise and approve programs offered by educational institutions and training establishments. Additionally, ADVS may establish a training center to provide training to current or potential employees and the veteran community (A.R.S. § 41-603).

Provisions

Arizona Veterans Memorial State Park (Park)

1. Directs the Board to establish the Park. (Sec. 3)

2. Instructs the Board to purchase the Park site in accordance with state law on the sale of state land. (Sec. 3)

3. Requires the Joint Committee on Capital Review to approve the design and construction of the memorial. (Sec. 3)

4. Requires the Park site to be located in Maricopa County and within two miles of a Veteran's National Cemetery. (Sec. 3)

5. Permits the Board to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Maricopa County for the maintenance and preservation of the Park. (Sec. 3)

6. Appropriates $10,000,000 from the State Parks Revenue Fund to the Board in FY 2024 for the purpose of purchasing, designing and constructing the Park. (Sec. 6)

7. Reverts all remaining unexpended and unencumbered monies, on July 1, 2025, back from the Board to the State Parks Revenue Fund. (Sec. 6)

Suicide Prevention Training Pilot Program (Program)

8. Establishes the Program in ADVS to offer claims examiners and county and municipal veteran service offices specialized training and certification in preventing veteran suicides. (Sec. 4)

9. Directs ADVS to contract with an experienced organization in developing and implementing veteran-relevant and evidence-based suicide prevention training. (Sec. 4)

10. Instructs ADVS to establish and oversee the selection process for Program participants and provide certification upon completion of training. (Sec. 4)

11. Requires the Program to train participants to: 1) identify indicators of elevated suicide risk in veterans; and 2) provide emergency crisis referrals for veterans expressing or exhibiting symptoms of emotional or psychological distress. (Sec. 4)

12. Instructs ADVS to submit an annual report to specified members of the legislature that includes information concerning the Program and whether changes are needed to increase effectiveness. (Sec. 4)

13. Instructs ADVS, in its final report, to recommend whether the Program should continue. (Sec. 4)

14. Directs ADVS to adopt rules necessary for the Program. (Sec. 4)

15. Repeals the Program on January 1, 2028. (Sec. 4)

Miscellaneous

16. Makes a technical renumbering change. (Sec. 1, 2)

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                        SB 1454

Initials NM/CV Page 0 Transmitted

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