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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
veterans' donations fund; grants
Purpose
Prohibits the Arizona Department of Veterans Services (ADVS) from denying or refusing to award an Arizona Veterans' Donations Fund (VDF) grant to an applicant solely because the applicant is a previous grant recipient. Requires ADVS to award grant money of at least $2,000,000 or the balance of the VDF annually, whichever is less.
Background
The VDF, established in 1999 by the Arizona legislature, funds programs that benefit Veterans and their families throughout Arizona. Arizona statutes specify that tax-deductible donations to, and monies held in, this account can never revert to the state General Fund (ADVS).
The VDF consists of monies, gifts and contributions donated to ADVS and donations made through the purchase of Veteran, Women Veteran, and Freedom special license plates. The assets held in the account may only be used to benefit Veterans in Arizona through small grants and large grants, each with their own documented application process (ADVS).
The VDF is established consisting of monies, gifts and contributions
donated to the ADVS from outlined sources. ADVS administers the VDF. Monies in
the VDF are continuously appropriated and is exempt from statutes relating to
lapsing. 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).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits ADVS from denying or refusing to award a grant to an applicant solely because the applicant is a previous grant recipient.
2. Requires ADVS to award grant money of at least $2,000,000 or the balance of the VDF annually, whichever is less.
3. Requires ADVS to publish a list of grant recipients on the ADVS website.
4. Requires ADVS to submit a report, beginning FY 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, on the number of veterans who have received services through organizations that were awarded grants.
5. Requires the report to be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of State.
6. Makes technical changes.
7. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2024
ZD/KK/cs