 |
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session
veterans' services department; commission; continuation
Purpose
Continues the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) and Arizona Veterans' Services Advisory Commission (Commission) for eight years.
Background
The ADVS must: 1) assist 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) inform veterans and their families and dependents and military and civilian authorities about federal, state and local laws enacted to benefit veterans and their families and dependents and members of the armed forces; 3) collect information relating to services and facilities available to veterans; 4) cooperate with all government and private agencies receiving services for or benefits to veterans and their families and dependents; and 5) conduct administrative reviews and, if possible, correct abuses or prevent exploitation of veterans and their families or dependents and recommend corrective legislation (A.R.S. § 41-603).
The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor, who each serve three-year terms. Members must be veterans and appointed from a list of names submitted by each veterans' organization in Arizona. Not more than two members are allowed to be appointed from any one veterans' organization and members are not allowed to serve more than two consecutive three-year terms. The Commission must provide policy advice to the Governor and the Director of ADVS regarding veterans' issues (A.R.S. § 41-602).
The Senate Judiciary Committee of Reference and the House Military Affairs and Public Safety Committee of Reference met jointly on December 9, 2021, to conduct a review of the ADVS and the Commission. The Joint Committees of Reference recommended the ADVS be continued for eight years. The ADVS and the Commission are set to terminate on July 1, 2022, unless legislation is enacted for their continuance (A.R.S. § 41-3022.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Continues, retroactive to July 1, 2022, the ADVS and the Commission until July 1, 2030.
2. Repeals the ADVS and the Commission on January 1, 2031.
3. Contains a purpose statement.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date, with a retroactive provision as noted.
Prepared by Senate Research
January 25, 2022
ZD/HK/sr