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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
veterans' donations fund; annual transfer
Purpose
Requires an annual transfer of 15 percent of Veterans' Donation Fund (VDF) monies to a State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund (SHVF) subaccount, as prescribed, and allocates specified resources to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS).
Background
ADVS must provide long-term care services and skilled
nursing care to veterans and veterans' spouses in veterans' homes and must
operate and maintain the veterans' homes as
self-sustaining facilities. The Director of ADVS (Director) administers the
SHVF for the sole purpose of operating and maintaining state-operated nursing
and domiciliary homes for Arizona veterans (Arizona State Veterans' Homes) and
consists of monies generated from Arizona State Veterans' Homes operations or
collected from the sale of surplus property to a private person, firm or
corporation. On notice from the Director, the State Treasurer must invest and
divest monies in the SHVF, and monies earned from investment must be credited
to the SHVF (A.R.S. §§ 41-603.01
and 41-608.01).
According to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee's Baseline for FY 2026, the
year-end balance of the SHVF for FY 2024 is $1,286,400 (JLBC).
The VDF is administered by the Director and consists of monies, gifts and contributions donated to ADVS and outlined special plate and taxpayer donations. VDF monies may be used for grant awards that benefit veterans in Arizona (A.R.S. § 41-608).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires ADVS to annually transfer 15 percent of monies in the VDF to a subaccount in the SHVF (SHVF Subaccount).
2. Establishes the SHVF Subaccount consisting of monies deposited from the annual VDF transfer.
3. Dedicates the use of monies in the SHVF Subaccount:
a) to support the various needs of and purchase any necessary equipment for the veterans residing at the Arizona State Veterans' Homes; and
b) for any necessary improvements and ongoing maintenance required for the Arizona State Veterans' Homes.
4. Allows ADVS to use up to $150,000 from the VDF each fiscal year to administer the VDF.
5. Allocates two full-time equivalent positions each fiscal year to ADVS to administer the VDF.
6. Requires the State Treasurer, on notice from the Director, to invest and divest monies in the SHVF Subaccount.
7. Requires monies earned from investments to be credited to the SHVF Subaccount.
8. Makes technical and conforming changes.
9. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 6, 2025
KJA/AG/slp