ADVS State Veterans/Military Legislation Update

52nd Arizona Legislature, Second Regular Session

Friday, 29 January 2016

Inclusion of any legislation in this report does not constitute endorsement of that legislation by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.

(Notations in Red represent latest or new information or final action.)

SB = Senate Bill	HB = House Bill

SCM = Senate Concurrent Memorial	HCM = House Concurrent Memorial

SCR = Senate Concurrent Resolution	HCR = House Concurrent Resolution

SR = Senate Resolution	HJR= House Joint Resolution

HR = House Resolution

To view bills go to: http://www.azleg.gov/Bills.asp

Senate Bills

SB 1036- union civil war memorial

Would authorize the building of a Union Civil War Memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza at the State Capitol without the use of public monies. The State may not facilitate fund-raising for establish a fund for the monument.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Dist. 6

Major Actions:

SB 1074- voter identification; VA; student identification

Would add a valid Veterans Administration health identification card issued by the VA and a valid accredited Arizona university or college identification card to ID currently legally used to vote.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Dist. 29, et al

Major Actions: 12 January 2016-First Read and assigned to Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee, Senate Government Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Rules Committee.

SB 1114- appropriations; veterans’ services; veterans’ home

Would appropriate $10-million in Fiscal Year 2016-2017 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for the State’s 35% share of a veterans’ home in Flagstaff.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Dist. 6

Major Actions: 14 January 2016-First Read and assigned to Senate Appropriations Committee, Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee, and Senate Rules Committee.

SB 1164- G&F; licenses; veterans

Would require Arizona Game & Fish to add a bonus point for honorably discharged veterans in the pool for hunting licenses. Since the accrual of bonus points was added to Arizona’s draw process in the early 1990s, the G & F Commission’s intent has been to allow every applicant, resident and non-resident, an opportunity to draw a hunt permit-tag in the hunt of their choice. While odds may be low because of demand for a given hunt, every hunter would at least have a chance in the draw. This would give eligible veterans a bit more of a chance.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Barbara McGuire, D-Dist. 8

Major Actions:

SB 1166- service animals; certification; registration; identification

Would require licensure and registration of service animals by a statewide or national organization that requires at least one year initial training and yearly testing to maintain certification of the animal. Also requires the animal wearing a vest bearing training information and the service animal handler must carry a photo ID of the animal. Would also allow public places to exclude service animals if the animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control the animal and if the animal is not house broken.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Barbara McGuire, D-Dist. 8

Major Actions:

SB 1167- service animals; abuse; prohibited ownership

Would prohibit people convicted of the following offenses from adopting, fostering, owning or otherwise caring for a service animal: animal cruelty; recklessly leaving an animal in an automobile when possible harm may ensue; allowing a dog under a person’s custody or control to interfere or harm a service animal; animal fighting; cockfighting; equine tripping.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Barbara McGuire, D-Dist. 8

Major Actions:

SB 1212- national guard; peace officers; appointment

Would permit the State Adjutant General to appoint a member of the Arizona National Guard to peace office status those who have served as a law enforcement officer in any branch of service or as a special agent within the Department of Defense. Currently, only those who have been awarded a the Army military occupational specialty (MOS) as Military Police or Air Force specialty code as Security Police can be appointed. The appointed person must also complete a course of study prescribed by the Arizona peace officer standards and training board (POST).

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Steve Smith, R-Dist. 11

Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee and Senate Rules Committee.

SB 1213- adjutant general; national guard rules

Would make technical change to statute allowing the adjutant general to not only make rules, approved by the Governor, for the Department of Military and Emergency Affairs (DEMA) but also for the Arizona National Guard and make such rules effective upon approval by the Governor.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Steve Smith, R-Dist. 11

Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee and Senate Rules Committee.

SB 1232- purple heart special plate parking

Would allow the State and local jurisdictions to create specially marked public parking places exclusively for Purple Heart plated vehicles.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Dist. 27

Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee and Senate Rules Committee. Tues, 26 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in Senate Transportation Committee, 2 pm, SHR 1. 26 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the Senate Transportation Committee 6-0-2 absent. Monday, 1 Feb 2016-Hearing scheduled in Senate Rules Committee, 1 p.m., Caucus Room 1.

SB 1233- Arizona minority veterans memorial

Would authorize the building of a memorial dedicated to the commemoration of Arizona minority veterans in Wesley Bolin Plaza at the State capitol.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Dist. 27

Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Government Committee and Senate Rules Committee.

SB 1267- military service; postsecondary academic credit

Would require Arizona community colleges and State universities to award a student academic credit toward a degree based on: 1) years of active duty military service, 2) skills, knowledge, and competencies acquired during military service. Dishonorable discharged veterans not eligible.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Steve Smith, R-Dist. 11

Major Actions: 26 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee, Senate Education Committee and Senate Rules Committee.

SB 1431- property tax; disabled veterans' residences

Would classify a primary residence up to 40 acres of a qualifying veteran of the uniformed services with a 100 % service-connected disability as rated by the VA and as verified by the VA or the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and owned by the veteran and/or spouse as class nine property for property tax purposes. This would have the same effect as fully exempting the property and reducing the property tax liability to zero

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Gail Griffin, R-Dist. 14

Major Actions:

SCR 1002- purple heart state; day

Would declare Arizona a “Purple Heart State” and proclaim December 7, 2016 as Purple Heart Day in Arizona.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Dist. 6

Major Actions:

SCR 1007- Arizona veteran family adoption; day

Would proclaim January 21, 2016 as “Arizona Veteran Family Adoption Program Day” in recognition of the mission to reduce the number of foster children in Arizona by matching them with loving and supportive veteran families.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Catherine Miranda, D-Dist. 27

Major Actions:

SCR 1009- fallen veterans; remembrance; 21 seconds

A concurrent resolution that would ask the people of Arizona to fly the United States flag at half-staff and pause for a 21-second moment of silence at high noon on the 21st day of each month in remembrance and honor of all those who have given their lives in military service and in war.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Gail Griffin, R-Dist. 14

Major Actions:

SCR 1013- coast guard auxiliary; recognition

A concurrent resolution that would recognize and honor the lifesaving work of the Arizona members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and commend the volunteers for the vital support role they play in the mission of the United States Coast Guard.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Steve Smith, R-Dist. 11, et al.

Major Actions: 28 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology Committee and Senate Rules Committee.

SCR 1018- veterans; disability; property tax relief

A concurrent resolution proposing to amend the Arizona Constitution to exempt $25-thousand from the assessed property tax on the primary residence of a service-connected 100% disabled U. S. veteran or unmarried surviving spouse and children. Would allow the Legislature to increase the amount of the exemption according to increases in a designated national inflation index.

Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Gail Griffin, R-Dist. 14

Major Actions:

House Bills

HB 2009- veteran-owned businesses; procurement preference

Would require the Arizona Department of Administration to establish a goal of awarding 1.5% of State contracts to qualified veteran-owned businesses beginning 1 January 2017 and increasing 3% or more for every year after the first year and require the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services to establish a registry of veteran-owned businesses and verify the veteran status and eligibility of businesses seeking to be considered for the registry.

A qualifying veteran-owned business is one that is at least 51-percent owned by at least one honorably discharged veteran receiving monthly combat-related special compensation. The qualifying veteran would have to control management and daily control of the business, and the home office of the business would have to be in Arizona and not a branch or subsidiary of a foreign company.

Except for construction contracts, a qualifying business would have to use at least 50%of the proceeds of the contract to pay for salaries.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Mark Cardenas, D-Dist. 19
Major Actions:

HB 2019- credited service; military service purchase

Would allow eligible military veterans enrolled in the State/public retirement system for at least five years instead of the current ten years to purchase up to 60 months of completed military service to count toward the public retirement.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. David Stevens, R-Dist. 14

Major Actions: 11 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Government and Higher Education Committee and House Rules Committee. Thursday, 21 January 2016-Hearing scheduled in House Government and Higher Education Committee, 9 am, HHR 1. 21 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House Government and Higher Education Committee 8-0-1 not voting. Monday, 25 Jan 2016-Hearing in House Rules Committee, 1pm, HHR 4. 25 Jan 2016-Out of House Rules, 8-0-1 absent.

HB 2033- post-9/11 veteran education relief fund

Would create a Post 9/11 Veteran Education Relief Fund made of “private donations, grants, bequests, and any other monies” to provide, under certain conditions, financial tuition assistance to qualified veterans whose tuition assistance under the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 has expired. Would create a committee appointed by the Governor to oversee the fund, under the administrative control of the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Dist. 5, et al

Major Actions: 11 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. Thursday, 21 January 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee, 9 am, HHR 5. 21 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House MAPS Committee, 9-0. Monday, 1 Feb 2016- Hearing scheduled in House Rules Committee, 1 p.m., HHR 4.

HB 2105- veterans with disabilities; benefits

Would allow Game and Fish to issue complimentary hunting and fishing licenses to veterans rated as at least 25% service-connected disabled; would charge no vehicle license tax or registration fee for veterans rated as at least 25% service-connected disabled; and would provide for free State park passes to veterans rated as at least 25% service-connected disabled.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Phil Lovas, R-Dist. 22

Major Actions: 13 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Held in the House MAPS Committee. Thurs, 4 Feb 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee, 9 a.m., HHR 5.

HB 2153- VLT exemption; military members; spouses

Would eliminate the Vehicle License Tax on one vehicle owned by a spouse or surviving dependent of a U.S. military member killed in the line of duty or who died of injuries received in the line of duty.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Dist. 5
Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and House Rules Committee. Tuesday, 2 Feb 2016-Hearing scheduled in House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, 2 p.m., HHR 1.

HB 2194- women veteran special plates

Would restrict sale of existing Women Veteran Special Plates to people who can prove they are veterans and/or an immediate family member of a person who has been issued the plate. Currently, monies from the sale of the plates goes into a special fund to benefit homeless women veterans.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Jonathan Larkin, D-Dist. 30, et al.

Major Actions:

HB 2195- unpaid leave; employee; military family

Would require employers provide up to two consecutive work weeks of unpaid leave if an employee makes a written request prior to the leave and has: 1) an immediate family member who is honorably discharged from the U. S. Armed Forces and served in a combat zone within the nine months prior to the family member’s leave request or, 2) has an immediate family member currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces and who served in a combat zone within 90 days prior to the family member’s leave request.

Primary Sponsor: Rep. Jonathan Larkin, D-Dist. 30, et al.

Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Commerce Committee and House Rules Committee.

HB 2216- technical correction; veterans

A bill making “technical corrections” to ARS 41-607 dealing with the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. This bill is a “vehicle” bill, meaning it will be used for a “strike everything” amendment purpose unknown but likely unrelated to veterans.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Anthony Kern, R-Dist. 20

Major Actions:

HB 2256- tax subtraction; uniformed services pay

Would extend Arizona tax exemption to the pay of active service members of the commissioned corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Kate Brophy McGee, R-Dist. 28

Major Actions: 21 January 2016-First Read and assigned to the House on Ways and Means and the House Rules Committee. Mon. 1 Feb 2016-Hearing scheduled in House Ways and Means Committee, 2 p.m., HHR 3.

HB 2323- Native American veterans; tax refund

Would appropriate $2-million from the State General Fund for a Native American Veteran Income Tax Settlement Fund to reimburse Native American veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States who were living within the boundaries of their or their spouse’s tribal lands during active military service who may have been exempt from paying State income taxes but had State income taxes withheld from their military pay.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Dist. 5., et al.
Major Actions: 21 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Rules Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Borrelli amendment increasing amount of fund to $2-million adopted. Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House MAPS Committee, 4-3-1 absent.

HB 2324- G&F; military spouses; resident licenses

Would allow spouses of active military members stationed in Arizona to purchase Arizona resident hunting and fishing licenses.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Franklin Pratt, R-Dist. 8, et al.
Major Actions: 21 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent.

HB 2329- appropriations; veterans’ services; veterans’ home

A companion bill to SB 1114. Would appropriate $10-million in Fiscal Year 2016-2017 to the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services for distribution to the City of Flagstaff for a veterans’ home.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Brenda Barton, R-Dist. 6

Major Actions: 21 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Rules Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee. 28 Jan 2016-Held in House MAPS Committee. Thurs, 4 Feb 2016-Hearing scheduled in House MAPS Committee, 9 a.m., HHR 5.

HB 2519- separating service members; professional licenses

Would allow a person holding a professional license in another state to be issued the same license in Arizona without examination if within the preceding 90 days that person was honorably separated from the armed forces.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Richard Andrade, D-Dist. 29

Major Actions: 25 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee.

HB 2520- professional licensure; reciprocity; military spouses

Would require the State of Arizona to issue a license or certificate to a person who is accompanying a military spouse to an official permanent change of station to a military installation located in this state within 72 hours after application if a background check is not required, 120 hours after application if a background check is required, if that person holds the same license or certificate in another state in good standing.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Richard Andrade, D-Dist. 29

Major Actions: 25 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee.

HB 2554- veterans court; establishment; mandatory referrals

Would require presiding superior court judges in each county to establish a veterans court and establish criteria to refer veterans charged “only” with aggravated DUI to the established veterans court.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Jay Lawrence, R-Dist. 23.

Major Actions:

HCM 2005- veterans’ homes; tribal lands

A concurrent memorial urging the Congress of the United States to amend current federal law to allow VA construction cost reimbursement and per diem payments to tribal veterans’ homes on tribal land. Currently, they are not eligible for such payments.

Primary Sponsors: Rep. Albert Hale, D-Dist. 7. ; et al.

Major Actions: 25 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee.

HCM 2006- toxic exposure; urging Congress

A concurrent memorial urging the United States Congress adopt legislation that would establish in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs a national center for research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of the descendants of veterans exposed to toxic substances during service in the armed forces of the United States that are related to that exposure.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Richard Andrade, D-Dist. 29

Major Actions:

HCR 2001- Arizona veterans hall of fame

A concurrent resolution recognizing the Arizona Veterans’ Hall of Fame. This Resolution passed the House but was not transmitted to the Senate in the 52nd Arizona Legislature, First Regular Session. Concurrent Resolutions must be passed by both Houses.

Primary Sponsors: Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Dist. 5. ; et al.

Major Actions: 19 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. Thursday, 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House (MAPS) Committee, 9 am, HHR 5. 28 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent.

HCR 2018- post-traumatic stress injury awareness day

A concurrent resolution proclaiming June 27, 2016 as Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Awareness Day in Arizona.

Primary Sponsors: Rep. Jay Lawrence, R-Dist. 23. ; et al.

Major Actions: 19 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. Thursday, 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House (MAPS) Committee, 9 am, HHR 5. 28 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent.

HCR 2025- purple heart state; day

Would declare Arizona a “Purple Heart State” and proclaim December 7, 2016 as Purple Heart Day in Arizona.

Primary Sponsor(s): Rep. Bob Thorpe, R-Dist. 6

Major Actions: 19 January 2016-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. Thursday, 28 Jan 2016-Hearing scheduled in House (MAPS) Committee, 9 am, HHR 5. 28 Jan 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent.