ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-sixth Legislature Second Regular Session
	Senate: MAPS DP 5-0-2-0 | 3^rd Read 27-1-2-0 House: MAPS DP 14-1-0-0

---

SB 1685: veterans' donations fund; grants

Sponsor: Senator Gowan, LD 19

Committee on Military Affairs & Public Safety

Overview

Modifies statute relating to the distribution of Arizona Veterans' Donation Fund (Fund) monies by the Arizona Department of Veterans Services (ADVS).

History

The Fund provides monies for programs that benefit veterans and their families throughout Arizona. The Fund consists of monies, gifts and contributions donated to ADVS and donations made through the purchase of various special license plates relating to the military. The assets held in the account can only be used to benefit veterans in Arizona through small grants and large grants, each with its own documented application process (A.R.S. § 41-608; ADVS, Donation Fund).

Monies in the Fund are non-lapsing and continuously appropriated. ADVS must adopt rules or policies for grants of less than $5,000 that encourage as much competition as practicable (A.R.S. § 41-608).

Provisions

1. Prohibits ADVS from denying or refusing to award a grant to an applicant because the applicant had previously received a grant. (Sec. 1)

2. Requires ADVS to annually award at least $2,000,000 or the Fund balance, whichever is less. (Sec. 1)

3. Requires ADVS to publish a list of grant recipients on its website. (Sec. 1)

4. Directs ADVS, beginning in FY 2026, to submit a report to specified members of the executive and legislative branches on the number of veterans who received services through organizations that were awarded grants. (Sec. 1)

5. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

                        SB 1685

Initials NM/TM         Page 0 Military Affairs & Public Safety

---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------