Proposed Arizona Veterans Legislation

Our firm is committed to serving veterans. As a veteran himself, Steven Jackson is personally adamant about legislative solutions to the issues veterans face in Arizona, and is passionate about making Arizona a veteran friendly state.

The legislation described below is a list of relevant legislation that impacts veterans in the State of Arizona, introduced in 2020. We’ve included the sponsors of each proposal, a description of the legislation, and links to the legislation so you can track it if interested.We also recapped legislation from 2019. If there is other noteworthy Arizona specific legislation you think should be included, please contact our firm. We strongly urge all Arizona veterans and citizens to exercise their rights as citizens and to contact their representatives regarding any important issues.

To find out who your representative is, or to contact your representative, see this link: https://www.azleg.gov/alisStaticPages/HowToContactMember.asp

For Arizona Legislature Request to Speak (RTS) information (RTS allows you to request to speak at the legislature, or to register your opinion as for or against certain legislation) see this link: https://www.azleg.gov/group/request-to-speak/

2019 RECAP:

• HB2488 – “veteran suicides; annual report” The bill was proposed to require Arizona Health Services to report on veterans’ suicides, coordinate with the V.A. to obtain information, and evaluate suicide statistics and instances of drug and or alcohol use coinciding with suicide. PASSED, the department is now required to collect information and is required to report on it. New legislation is codified in A.R.S. 36-146.
• HB2487 “state veterans’ homes” The bill PASSED, allowing for the expansion of state veterans’ homes around the state by statute.
• HB2030 “military plates; disability fee exemption” A bill allowing fee exemptions on specialty plates for veterans who have the international symbol of access for disability. DID NOT PASS
• HB2446 “military services special plates” allowed for the creation of women veteran military services specialty plates. PASSED, women veterans can now get different service specialty plates for different services and one for a Native American Code Talker seal, that go with the “women veterans” plate.
• HCM 2001 “Deported Veterans, Medical Treatment” cites a statistic that at least 234 veterans have been deported, and asks the United States Government to provide medical treatment and other benefits for all veterans of the United States, including those who have been deported. This memorial PASSED and was transmitted to the Secretary of State.
• HB2105 “procurement; veterans’ Arizona bidders; preference” the bill would have provided a veterans’ preference for contracts awarded to veteran owned businesses at the state level, and also would have provided an Arizona business owned preference. DID NOT PASS
• HB2093 “appropriation; veterans’ services; benefits counselors” The bill would have appropriated an additional 1.2M dollars from the state general fund to the department of veterans’ services to hire additional benefits counselors. DID NOT PASS
• HB2499 “appropriation; Navajo veterans housing assistance” This bill would have appropriated $400,000 from the state general fund to the department of economic security to distribute to the Navajo nation for costs associated with the Navajo veterans housing assistance program administered by the Navajo nation. DID NOT PASS
• HB2020 “parks; veterans’ military personnel; access” The bill would have allowed all veterans and active duty military personnel free entrance to all state parks on presentation of military identification. DID NOT PASS
• HB2281 “liquor omnibus” this bill would have limited the number of events any nonmember of any military club or organization such as the VFW, DAV, or American Legion could attend. It specifically limited events such as bingo games and nonmember recruitment events, where nonmembers are allowed to purchase alcohol, to 12 events per year for each of those types of events. PASSED – However, the final bill did not include the language limiting organizational events.
• HB2011 “veterans; increased income tax subtraction” The Bill would have increased the subtraction from gross income for “benefits, annuities, and pensions received as retired or retainer pay of the uniformed services of the United States DID NOT PASS
• HB2046 “military funerals’ honor guard; compensation” This bill would have required the Adjutant General to pay any members of Veterans’ Service Organizations in the state who serve on a detail for a deceased person eligible for military funeral honors. DID NOT PASS

2020 Highlights:

• SB1575 “Property tax exemption, conformity” A bill that would:
  • raise the tax exemption thresholds and exemption amounts,
  • expand the exemption to disabled veterans who aren’t total and permanent,
  • restrict the amount some disabled veterans would receive by reducing the claimable amount to a number that reflects the veteran’s disability percentage. (50% would get half the total allowable $4,047)
• HB2384 “Vehicle tax exemption” Adds to the list of vehicle tax exemptions, proposal would include Purple Heart recipients.
• HC2009 “Veterans tax Protection” The bill would provide for property tax valuation protections in the constitution, similar to those provided for residents over 65, for veterans with over 50% service connection.
• HB2086 “tuition waiver; military; veterans; family” The bill provides for a tuition waiver for spouses and dependents of veterans, and for veterans over 70%. Must be veteran who joined from Arizona and returned to Arizona. Similar bill went nowhere in 2018.
• HB2264 “procurement; veterans; Arizona bidders; preference” The bill would give Veteran and Arizona owned businesses preference for some state bids. It’s been around for years, but has never moved.
• Multiple bills requesting appropriations for veterans’ homes in the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Northern Arizona, Mojave County and others.
• Multiple bills requesting appropriations or establishing license plate programs to pay for more Arizona Department of Veterans benefits counselors, including one that requires at least 2 who serve Northern Arizona.

2020 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS:

HB 2384 “VLT and Registration Fee Exemptions” Walter Blackman (R) Snowflake prime sponsor, Leo Biasiucci (R) Lake Havasu co-sponsor.

The bill expands the vehicle registration exemption in A.R.S. § 28-5802, which currently exempts car registration fees for cars owned by a veteran who is unemployable, total and permanent, or to those with a 100% combined service connection.  The proposed legislation would add Purple Heart recipients to the list of those eligible for vehicle registration exemptions.

Status: Senate 2nd Read on 3/3/2020.

Proposed Bill Engrossed, retrieved March 5, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2384H.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73033?SessionId=122

SB1187 “Native American Veterans; Tax Settlement” Prime Sponsor Walter Blackman (R) Snowflake and Leo Biasiucci (R) Lake Havasu.

The bill lengthens the date for which claims can be made for a category of income tax settlement funds, for funds withheld by the state between 1977 and 2006. The bill extends multiple dates for valid claims, from December 31 2019 to December 31, 2021. The rule clarifies that unexpended monies must be held until 2023, and the required annual department of revenue report will be extended to 2023.

Status: Senate Third Reading March 2, 2020.

Senate Engrossed Version retrieved March 5, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1187S.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73406?SessionId=122

HCR 2009 “veterans; disability; property valuation protection” Leo Biasiucci (R) Lake Havasu is primary sponsor.

The bill would submit a constitutional amendment to the public for approval. The amendment would give veterans with 50% service connected disability or greater, or veterans with unemployability, property tax increase protection on their valuations. Currently, the constitution provides for those over 65, this move would expand the protection of property tax valuations to disabled veterans.

Status: No Status, not currently being heard.

Introduced Version, retrieved March 5, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HCR2009P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72617?SessionId=122

HB2135 “Veteran suicides; annual report: distribution” Jay Lawrence (R) Scottsdale/Fountain Fountain Hills

The bill expands a statute (A.R.S. § 36-146) that created a requirement for the department of health services to provide a report on veterans’ suicides. The statute expands the report requirements, to now require the department of health services to include “Utilization and Encounter Data for a Nonprofit Veterans’ Service Organization That Provides Services Related to Reducing Suicides Among This State’s Military and Veteran Populations.”

Status: Senate Second Read 2/25/2020.

House Engrossed Version retrieved March 5, 2020:

https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2135H.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72738?SessionId=122

SB 1575 “property tax exemptions; statutory conformity” J.D. Mesnard (R) Chandler/Gilbert/Sun Lakes

The bill raises the property tax exemption to include a higher exemption value, at $4,047 up from $3,000. The bill also raises the cap for which you can receive an exemption, it would raise the cap to $27,498 from $20,000. The bill increases the amount of people who will be eligible. Under the new bill, veterans with disability percentages lower than 100% would be eligible to claim. Veterans with percentages lower than 100% would receive a fraction of the total allowable value equal to the disability rating percentage. With the proposed statute, A.R.S. § 42-11111, a veteran with a 50% service connected disability rating would theoretically be able get a $2,023.50 exemption on the property at the maximum allowable value of $4,047. The proposed bill would also provide definitions to clarify requirements.

Status: transmitted to the House on March 2, 2020.

Senate Engrossed Version retrieved March 5, 2020:

https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1575S.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73930?SessionId=122

HB2264 “procurement; veterans; Arizona bidders; preference” Diego Espinoza (D) Tolleson/Avondale/West Phoenix is the prime sponsor.

The bill would grant veteran owned businesses a preference in bids awarded by the state pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-2533. The bill also provides for preference for Arizona owned businesses over nonresident businesses. The bill would give highest preference to veteran owned businesses, then to Arizona owned businesses, then to nonresident bidders.

Status: Going nowhere, hasn’t been heard.

Introduced version (retrieved March 5, 2020): https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2264P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72898?SessionId=122

SB1662 “military family relief fund, grants” Heather Carter (R) Cave Creek

This bill allows for the military family relief fund to be used to pay Veterans Service Organizations for help in providing veterans benefits.

Status: Senate Second reading was on February 6, doesn’t look like it is moving.

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1662P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74027?SessionId=122

SB1524 “military family relief fund; criteria” Sonny Borrelli (R) Lake Havasu City

The bill restricts the definition of who may apply for use of monies in the post – 9/11 veterans subaccount for financial assistance. The proposal would make it so that only those who have deployed from this state “to a combat zone or a zone where the service member was receiving hazardous duty pay” may claim.

Status: transmitted to House on March 5, 2020

Senate Engrossed Version, retrieved March 9, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1115S.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72782?SessionId=122

SB1115 “veterans of overseas conflicts plates” Sonny Borrelli (R) Lake Havasu CIty

The bill would allow for creation of special license plates for conflicts of overseas and use a portion of the fee for those specialty plates to distribute to organizations who aid with veterans’ claims in this state.

Status: House Second Read March 2

Senate Engrossed Version, retrieved March 9, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1115S.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72782?SessionId=122

HB2341 “special license plates; veteran; design” Primary Sponsor: Richard Andrade (D) Winslow; Co-Sponsors: Jay Lawrence (R) Scottsdale, Noel Campbell (R) Prescott, Randall Friese (D) Tucson

The bill mirrors SB1115.

Status: Second Read February 10th in House. The bill hasn’t moved.

Introduced Version, retrieved March 9, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2341P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72997?SessionId=122#tab1-6

HB2195 “appropriations; Native American veterans; renovations” Prime Sponsor: Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle; Co-Sponsors: Andres Cano (D) Tucson, Charlene Fernandez (D) Yuma, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson, Jennifer Jermaine (D) Chandler; Diego Rodriguez (D) Laveen, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Lorenzo Sierra (D) Avondale, Myron Tsosie (D) Chinle. 

The bill would appropriate $200,000 (total $600,000) to each of the Navajo Nation, San Carlos Apache tribe, and the Hopi tribe for veterans’ homes renovation programs.

Status: House Military & Veterans Affairs – February 10, 2020.

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2195P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72819?SessionId=122

HB2342 “veterans; special license plates; design” Primary Sponsor Richard Andrade (D) Winslow Co-Sponsors: Jay Lawrence (R) Scottsdale, Noel Campbell (R) Prescott, Randall Friese (D) Tucson

The bill would allow for creation of special plates for veterans of overseas conflicts auxiliary. It would use a portion of the fee for those specialty plates to distribute to a 501(c)(19) entity that:

1) is located in this state, 2) has a tradition of serving women veterans, women active        duty personnel and their families, 3) was established in 1931, 4) has over ten thousand members, 5) has at least fifty-two auxiliaries in this state, 6) began serving male family members of women veterans and women active duty personnel in 2015.

Status: House Second Read was February 10, 2020. The bill hasn’t moved.

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2342P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72998?SessionId=122

HB2395 “appropriations; capital projects; Navajo Nation” Introduced Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle, Co-Sponsors Campbell, Andres Cano (D) Tucson, Domingo DeGrazia (D) Tanque Verde, Charlene Fernandez (D) Yuma, Rosanna Gabaldon (D) Tucson, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson, Jennifer Jermaine (D) Chandler, Geraldine Peten (D) Yuma, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Raquel Teran (D) West Phoenix/Glendale, Bob Thorp (R) Flagstaff

The bill provides for appropriations in the amounts of:

1. $1,444,1000 for costs associated with constructing a Ganado veterans center building.
2. $300,000 for costs associated with constructing a Tselani/Cottonwood Chapter veteran building.

The bill also includes $2.4 million in other expenditures.

Status: Second Read 1/27/2020.

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2395P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73056?SessionId=122

HB2820 “appropriation; veterans; kitchen; meals; training” Gail Griffin (R) Hereford

The bill would appropriate $300,000 to the department of veterans’ services to award a grant to a nonprofit organization that provides housing, nutrition and other services to military vets and their families. The money would be used to 1) purchase a factory-built kitchen, 2) provide healthy meals of appropriate portion size to military veterans, and 3) develop a culinary training and placement program for military veterans.

Status: Second read was February 13, 2020.

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2820P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74108?SessionId=122

SB1182 “Lukachukai veterans’ multipurpose complex; appropriation” Lela Alston (D) Phoenix, Sean Bowie (D) Tempe, David Bradley (D) Tucson, Lupe Contreras (D) Phoenix, Tony Navarette (D) West Phoenix/Glendale, Rebecca Rios (D) South Phoenix/Laveen, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson; Representatives Richard Andrade (D) Winslow, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson, Jennifer Jermaine (D) Chandler, Jennifer Longdon (D) Phoenix, Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle

Appropriates $500,000 for the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to distribute to Navajo Nation for costs associated with planning, designing and constructing the Lukachukai Veterans’ Multipurpose Complex.

Status: Second Read January 23, 2020

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1182P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73401?SessionId=122

SB 1181 “Fort Defiance veterans cemetary; appropriation; Primary Sponsor: Jamescita Peshlakai (D) Apache County/Navajo County, Co-Sponsors: Lela Alston (D) Phoenix, Sean Bowie (D) Tempe, David Bradley (D) Tucson, Lupe Contreras (D) Phoenix, Tony Navarette (D) West Phoenix/Glendale, Sally Ann Gonzales (D) Tucson, Rebecca Rios (D) South Phoenix/Laveen, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson, Richard Andrade (D) Glendale, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson, Jennifer Longdon (D) Phoenix, Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle

Appropriates $30,000 from the State General Fund to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to distribute to the Navajo Nation for costs associated with improvements to the Fort Defiance Veterans Memorial Cemetery

Status: Second Read was scheduled for: 1/23/2020

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1181P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73394?SessionId=122

SB 2393 “appropriation; Chinle veterans nursing home” Sponsor: Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle, Co-sponsors Reginald Bolding (D) Phoenix/Laveen/Guadalupe, Noel W. Campbell (R) Prescott, Andres Cano (D) Tucson, Cesar Chavez (D) Glendale/Maryvale, Domingo DeGrazia (D) Tanque Verde, Kirsten Engel (D) Tanque Verde, Charlene Fernandez (D) Tucson, Randall Friese (D) Tucson, Rosanna Gabaldon (D) Tucson, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson,

Jennifer Jermaine (D) Chandler, Jennifer Longdon (D) Phoenix, Geraldine Peten (D) Yuma, Diego Rodriguez (D) Laveen, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Lorenzo Sierra (D) Avondale, Raquel Teran (D) Glendale/West Phoenix, Myron Tsosie (D) Chinle

Appropriates $9,000,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to distribute to the Navajo nation for the design and construction of a veterans nursing home in Chinle.

Status: Second Read January 30, 2020

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2393P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73054?SessionId=122

SB1112 “veterans’ home facility; Mohave county” Sponsor: Borrelli; Co-sponsors: Karen Fann (R) Prescott, David Gowan (R) Greenlee, Sine Kerr (R) Yuma, David Livington (R) Surprise, Leo Biasiucci (R) Lake Havasu, Regina Cobb (R) Lake Havasu, David Cook (R) Pinal Couhty, Mark Finchem (R) Oro Valley\

Appropriates $19,000,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to distribute to the Navajo nation for the design and construction of a veterans’ home facility in Mojave county.

Status: Transmitted to House 2/3/2020

Senate Engrossed version retrieved March 9, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1112S.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72761?SessionId=122

SB1185 “tribal nations; veterans’ services; appropriation” Sponsor: Jamescita Peshlakai (D) Apache County/Navajo County; Co-Sponsor: Lela Alston (D) Phoenix, Sean Bowie (D) Tempe, David Bradley (D) Tucson, Lupe Contreras (D) Phoenix, Sally Ann Gonzales (D) Tucson, Tony Navarette (D) West Phoenix/Glendale, Rebecca Rios (D) South Phoenix/Laveen, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson, Richard Andrade (D) Glendale, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson, Jennifer Jermaine (D) Chandler, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Raquel Teran (D) Glendale/West Phoenix

Appropriates $2,2000,000 and 20 FTE positions to the Department of Veterans’ Services to hire veteran service officers to provide services in rural tribal nations in this state that have communities that are located 100 miles or more from the nears United States Department of Veterans Affairs Service Center. Also contains legislative intent clause that monies appropriated for this purpose be collected and identified from revenues collected on Indian reservations in this state.

Status: Second Read 1/23/2020

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1185P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73404?SessionId=122

HB2572 “appropriation; Navajo veterans housing” Sponsor: Myron Tsosie (D) Chinle; Co-Sponsors: Richard Andrade (D) Glendale, Andres Cano (D) Tucson, Cesar Chavez (D) Glendale/Maryvale, Jay Lawrence (R) Scottsdale, Aaron Lieberman (D) Paradise Valley, Jennifer Pawlik (D) Chandler/Sun Lakes, Geraldine Peten (D) Yuma, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle, Sally Ann Gonzales (D) Tucson, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson

Appropriates $2,000,000 from the State General Fund to the Department of Economic Security to distribute to the Navajo Nation Veterans Administration Veterans Housing Program. These monies may be used only for Navajo veterans who reside in this state.

Status: Second Read 1/28/2020

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2572P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73281?SessionId=122

HB2139 “appropriation, veterans’ services; benefits counselors” Sponsor: Jay Lawrence (R) Scottsdale

The bill would appropriate the sum of $474,200 to hire benefits counselors at the department of veterans’ services.

Status: Transmitted to Senate, second read 3/3/2020.

House Engrossed version (retrieved March 9, 2020): https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2139H.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72744?SessionId=122

SB1044 “veterans’ services; benefits counselors; appropriation” Sponsor: David Livington (R)

Appropriates $133,900 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to hire two additional veteran benefits counselors to be located in Apache, Coconino or Navajo County. Was amended to include $474,300 for six counselors, with 2 record in Apache, Coconino or Navajo County.

Status: Transmitted to House; House Second Read on February 26, 2020

Senate Engrossed version retrieved March 9, 2020: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1044S.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72623?SessionId=122

HB2086 “tuition waiver; military; veterans; family” Sponsor: Walt Blackman (R) Snowflake

Provides tuition waivers to spouses and dependents of veterans, National Guard members, former National Guard members and active military as well as veterans with a disability rating of 70% or higher who entered service from Arizona and exited to Arizona. Certain stipulations apply that are outlined in the bill.

Bill Status: Farther from every other bill to passing… won’t be heard.

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2086P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72614?SessionId=122

HB2035 “appropriation; veterans’ services; benefits counselors” Primary Sponsor Richard Andrade (D) Glendale; Co-Sponsors: Bolding, Cano, Domingo DeGrazia (D) Tanque Verde, Kirsten Engel (D) Tanque Verde, Denise Epstein (D) Southwest Mesa/Ahwatukee, Charlene Fernandez (D) Tucson, Randall Friese (D) Tucson, Rosanna Gabaldon (D) Tucson, Jennifer Jermaine (D) Chandler, Jennifer Longdon (D) Phoenix, Jennifer Pawlik (D) Chandler/Sun Lakes, Pamela Hannley (D) Tucson, Diego Rodriguez (D) Laveen, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle, Raquel Teran (D) Glendale/West Phoenix

Appropriates $1.2 million to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to hire additional benefits counselors.

Status: Second Read on January 22, 2020

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2035P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72527?SessionId=122

HB2571 “appropriation; military; discharge; tribal ceremonies” Sponsor Myron Tsosie (D) Chinle, Co-Sponsors: Andrade (D) Glendale, Cano, Cesar Chavez (D) Glendale/Maryvale, Dunn, Lawrence, Lieberman, Jennifer Longdon (D) Phoenix, Geraldine Peten (D) Yuma, Athena Salman (D) Phoenix, Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle, Senators Sally Ann Gonzales (D) Tucson, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Veterans’ Services to distribute to Indian tribes located in this state to conduct tribal ceremonies for tribal members who are discharged from the military.

Status: House Second Read February 3, 2020

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2571P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73280?SessionId=122

HB2220 “property tax exemptions; veterans’ organizations Sponsor: Gail Griffin (R) Hereford

Adds a property tax exemption for property that is owned by a United States veterans’ organization that qualifies as a charitable organization and that is recognized as a 501(c)(4) of the internal revenue code if the property is used predominantly for those purposes and is not used or held for profit. Contains a delayed effective date of January 1, 2021.

Status: Second Read in House on January 21, 2020.

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2220P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/72846?SessionId=122

HB2844 “G&F; transfers; gold star children” Sponsor: Anthony Kern (R) Glendale

The bill allows transfers of Big Game tags or licenses to Gold Star Children, and defines Gold Star Children as “…a minor child whose parent was killed in action in the United States Military.”

Status: Second Read in Senate was set for March 3, 2020.

House Engrossed version retrieved March 9, 2020:

https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2844H.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/74138?SessionId=122

HM2002 “military sexual trauma; servicemembers” Prime Sponsor: Richard Andrade (D) Glendale; Co-Sponsors total 48.

The bill acknowledges Federal Issues in the military with sexual trauma and asks congress to support survivors and to provide funding for outreach and gender-specific health transition training to veterans.

Status: Second Read was February 10, 2020.

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HM2002P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73526?SessionId=122

HB2690 “State agencies: veteran status: inquiry: forms” Primary Sponsor: Richard Andrade (D) Glendale; Co-Sponsors total 30.

Requires all state agencies, boards and commissions or other administrative units of this state to ask every individual at the initial point of service with that individual and to print on each application form the following question: “Have you or a family member ever served in the military?” Contains a delayed effective date of January 1, 2021.

Status: Minority and Majority Caucus heard on February 18, 2020

Introduced Version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/HB2690P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73443?SessionId=122

SB1178 Appropriation; Arizona department of housing; Ganado veterans’ and senior citizens’ center building” Sponsor: Jamescita Peshlakai (D) Apache County/Navajo County Co-Sponsors: Lela Alston (D) Phoenix,

Sean Bowie (D) Tempe, David Bradley (D) Tucson, Lupe Contreras (D) Phoenix, Sally Ann Gonzales (D) Tucson, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson, Tony Navarette (D) West Phoenix/Glendale, Rebecca Rios (D) South Phoenix/Laveen, Victoria Steele (D) Tucson; Representatives, Richard Andrade (D) Glendale, Alma Hernandez (D) Tucson, Arlondo Teller (D) Chinle

Appropriates $976,300 to the Arizona Department of Housing to distribute to the Navajo Nation for costs associated with designing and constructing the Ganado veterans’ and senior citizens’ center building.

Status: Second Read in Senate was 1/23/2020.

Introduced version: https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/54leg/2R/bills/SB1178P.pdf

Overview: https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/73395?SessionId=122