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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
appropriation; veterans' services; mental health
Purpose
Appropriates $1,000,000 from the state General Fund (state GF) in FY 2026 to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) for grants to nonprofit organizations that deliver outlined mental and behavioral health services to active duty service members, veterans and military families.
Background
ADVS must: 1) assist veterans and veterans' families and dependents in presenting, providing and establishing claims, privileges, rights and benefits that may be available; 2) provide information to veterans and veterans' families and dependents about federal, state and local laws enacted for veterans' benefits; 3) collect information relating to services and facilities available to veterans; and 4) cooperate with all government and private agencies receiving services for or benefits to veterans. ADVS must adopt rules or policies for grants of less than $5,000 that encourage as much competition as practicable (A.R.S. ยงยง 41-603 and 41-608).
H.B. 2320 appropriates $1,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to ADVS.
Provisions
1. Appropriates $1,000,000 from the state GF in FY 2026 to ADVS for grants to nonprofit organizations that deliver the following services for the benefit of active duty service members, veterans of all eras and discharge statuses and military families who are impacted by mental and behavioral health issues:
a) evidence-based and trauma-informed clinical care;
b) physical fitness and strength conditioning training from a certified strength and conditioning specialist;
c) mindful movement classes;
d) nutritional guidance from a registered dietician;
e) wellness, education, peer outreach programming for Native American veterans; and
f) clinician training.
2. Specifies that mental and behavioral health issues include post-traumatic stress injuries, traumatic brain injuries, depression, anxiety, substance-use disorder and suicidal ideation.
3. Requires nonprofit organizations to administer services in partnership with qualified hospital systems within Arizona and state universities, regardless of the date a veteran or active duty service member served in the military or was discharged or separated from service.
4. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
FMAE 2/12/25 DP 6-0-0-1
APPROP 2/24/25 DP 14-0-4-0
3rd Read 2/27/25 57-0-3
Prepared by Senate Research
March 20, 2025
KJA/AG/ci