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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, First Regular Session
state agencies; veterans status; inquiry
Purpose
Beginning January 1, 2024, requires all state agencies, boards and commissions to ask all individuals, either at the initial point of service or on an application form, if the individual or a family member has served in the military, and to provide all those that answer in the affirmative with specified information. Includes the U.S. Space Force in the definition of Armed Forces of the United States and appropriates $50,000 to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) for costs associated with including the U.S. Space Force as an enumerated branch.
Background
Duties of ADVS include informing veterans, their families and dependents, military and civilian authorities about federal, state and local laws enacted to benefit veterans and others as prescribed, as well as collecting information relating to services and facilities available to veterans and entering into agreements with veterans' organizations in Arizona holding a charter granted by the U.S. Congress for the beneficial interest of veterans (A.R.S. § 41-603).
H.B. 2670 appropriates $50,000 from the state GF to ADVS in FY 2024.
Provisions
1. Requires all state agencies, boards and commissions or other administrative units of Arizona to ask every individual at the initial point of service, and to print on each application form, the question: Have you or a family member ever served in the military?
2. Requires all forementioned entities to provide all individuals who answer the prescribed question in the affirmative with a website address and contact information for ADVS and the Be Connected program.
3. Includes the U.S. Space Force in the definition of Armed Forces of the United States.
4. Appropriates $50,000 from the state GF to ADVS in FY 2024 for costs associated with including the U.S. Space Force as an enumerated branch.
5. Makes technical and conforming changes.
6. Becomes effective on January 1, 2024.
House Action
MAPS 2/13/23 DPA 15-0-0-0
3rd Read 3/8/32 53-5-2
Prepared by Senate Research
March 27, 2023
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