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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
veterans' services; behavioral health; appropriation
Purpose
Appropriates $1,000,000 from the Consumer Remediation Subaccount of the Consumer Restitution and Remediation Revolving Fund (Subaccount) to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) for grants to nonprofits.
Background
ADVS duties include: 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) cooperating with all government and private agencies receiving services for or benefits to veterans and their families and dependents; 3) entering into agreements with veterans' organizations in Arizona holding a charter granted by the U.S. Congress for the beneficial interest of veterans; 4) evaluating, programs offered by educational institutions and training establishments pursuant to federal and state law, so that veterans and their dependents may draw the educational allowance provided by federal law while pursuing approved programs; and 5) establishing an application process for the Arizona gold star military medal, verifying the eligibility of recipients and, if funding is available, awarding the Arizona gold star military medal to an eligible individual (A.R.S. § 41-603).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation. However, H.B. 2766 does appropriate $1,000,000 from the Subaccount to ADVS.
Provisions
1. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the Subaccount to ADVS for grants to nonprofits that deliver evidence-based clinical care for active duty service members, veterans and their families for mental health and behavioral health issues.
2. Outlines mental and behavioral health issues that nonprofits that receive grants should address, including:
a) post-traumatic stress injuries;
b) traumatic brain injuries;
c) depression;
d) anxiety;
e) substance use disorder; and
f) suicidal ideation.
3. Requires nonprofits to administer services in partnership with qualified hospital systems and state universities, regardless of discharge status or when the veterans or active duty members served in the military.
4. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
APPROP 2/14/24 DPA 13-3-1-0
3rd Read 2/28/24 53-6-0-0-1
Prepared by Senate Research
March 8, 2024
ZD/cs