ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

House: FMAE DP 5-0-1-1

☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note

HB 2406: department of veterans' services; study

Sponsor: Representative Willoughby, LD 13

House Engrossed

Overview

Requires the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) to conduct a study to evaluate the extent to which veterans in Arizona are aware of programs and services available to them.

History

Laws 1999, Chapter 164 established ADVS as a separate entity responsible for providing and establishing claims, privileges, rights and benefits that veterans', their families and dependents may have under federal, state or local law. ADVS publishes an Arizona Veterans' Benefits Guide that outlines available benefits to veterans, where to find these benefits and other relevant information (ADVS)(AZ Veterans' Benefits Guide).

State and federal benefits provided to veteran claimants are initiated by Veteran Benefits Counselors (VBCs), who are accredited by the U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) and currently located at 31 different agencies and veteran service offices across Arizona. VBCs also support claimants by: 1) educating them on eligibility requirements; 2) representing them at VA hearings; 3) referring them to other agencies for potential benefits; and 4) filing compensation, pension and survivor's benefits applications (ADVS-VBCs).

The VA is responsible for the creation, maintenance and oversight of various veterans' benefit programs that focus on the transition between active duty and civilian life (VA).

Provisions

1.   Directs ADVS to conduct a study to evaluate the extent to which veterans in this state are aware of existing federal, state or community programs and services that are available to them. (Sec. 1)

2.   Requires ADVS to submit a report detailing the findings to outlined officials on or before December 31, 2027. (Sec. 1)

3.   Specifies that the report must include recommendations for increasing public awareness and veterans' knowledge of veterans' services using administrative or legislative options. (Sec. 1)

4.   Repeals this legislation from and after December 31, 2027. (Sec. 1)

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8.   Initials GG                       HB 2406

9.   2/23/2026  Page 0 House Engrossed

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