|
REFERENCE TITLE: office of defense innovation; appropriation |
|
State of Arizona Senate Fifty-seventh Legislature First Regular Session 2025
|
|
SB 1160 |
|
|
|
Introduced by Senator Gowan
|
AN ACT
Amending Title 41, chapter 1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, by adding section 41-117; appropriating monies; relating to the governor.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:
Section 1. Title 41, chapter 1, article 1, Arizona Revised Statutes, is amended by adding section 41-117, to read:
41-117. Arizona office of defense innovation; director; advisory board; duties; annual report; definition
A. The Arizona office of defense innovation is established in the office of the governor. THE office shall foster partnerships to drive innovation for defense TECHNOLOGIES in this state and leverage assets in this state to attract federal and private defense investments.
B. The governor, in consultation with the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, shall appoint a director of the office.
C. The governor shall appoint an advisory board to advise the office on matters relating to innovation for defense technologies consisting of the following members:
1. One member from a military installation in this state.
2. One member from a defense related industry in this state.
3. One member from a postsecondary educational institution in this state with EXPERIENCE in defense.
4. One member from a state agency who has expertise in economic development.
5. The director of the office who shall serve as the chairperson of the advisory board.
D. The office shall:
1. Develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance competitiveness in defense-related industries in this state.
2. Act as a liaison between this state and federal defense agencies, including the United States Department of Defense.
3. Provide support to companies based in this state that are seeking federal defense contracts.
4. Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration with universities and research institutions on defense technology projects.
5. On or before December 31 of each year, submit a report to the governor, the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives regarding the Office's activities, ACHIEVEMENTS and any RECOMMENDATIONS for improving the office.
E. THE OFFICE MAY ACCEPT ANY GRANTS, GIFTS, DEVISES AND DONATIONS FROM ANY PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SOURCE TO ASSIST IN CARRYING OUT THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION
F. For the purposes of this section, "Office" means THE ARIZONA OFFICE OF DEFENSE INNOVATION.
Sec. 2. Appropriation; Arizona office of defense innovation; exemption
A. The sum of $_______ is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2025-2026 to the office of the governor to support the Arizona office of defense innovation established by section 41-117, Arizona Revised Statutes, as added by this act.
B. The appropriation made in subsection A of this section is exempt from the provisions of section 35-190, Arizona Revised Statutes, relating to lapsing of appropriations.
Sec. 3. Legislative findings
The legislature finds that:
1. The defense industry is a critical component of the economy in this state that contributes significantly to job creation, innovation and national security.
2. States such as Michigan, Indiana and Utah have successfully established offices dedicated to defense innovation that have captured significant economic development opportunities.
3. This state has unique resources, including the state's proximity to military installations and a robust technology sector, which position this state to excel in defense-related economic activities.
Sec. 4. Short title
This act may be cited as the "Arizona Office of Defense Innovation Act".