SB 1454
Initials NM/CV Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-sixth Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: APPROP DP 10-0-0-0 | MAPS DP 7-0-0-0 | 3
rd
Read DPA 24-4-2-0
House: MAPS DP 14-0-0-1
SB 1454: veteran suicide prevention; pilot program
Sponsor: Senator Shope, LD 16
Caucus & COW
Overview
Establishes the Veteran Suicide Prevention Training Pilot Program (Program) in the Arizona
Department of Veteran Services (ADVS) and appropriates $600,000 and one FTE position from
the State General Fund (GF) to ADVS for FY 2024.
History
ADVS informs veterans and various groups about federal, state and local laws enacted to benefit
veterans and their dependents, as well as collect information of available services. It is required
for ADVS to evaluate, supervise and approve programs offered by educational institutions and
training establishments. Additionally, ADVS may establish a training center to provide training to
current or potential employees and the veteran community (A.R.S. § 41-603).
Provisions
1. Creates the Program in ADVS to offer claims examiners and county and municipal veteran
service offices specialized training and certification in preventing veteran suicides. (Sec. 1)
2. Directs ADVS to contract with an experienced organization in developing and implementing
veteran-relevant and evidence-based suicide prevention training. (Sec. 1)
3. Instructs ADVS to establish and oversee the selection process for Program participants and
provide certification upon completion of training. (Sec. 1)
4. Requires the Program to train participants to: 1) identify indicators of elevated suicide risk in
veterans; and 2) provide emergency crisis referrals for veterans expressing or exhibiting
symptoms of emotional or psychological distress. (Sec. 1)
5. Instructs ADVS to submit an annual report to specified members of the legislature that
includes information concerning the Program and whether changes are needed to increase
effectiveness. (Sec. 1)
6. Instructs ADVS, in its final report, to recommend whether the Program should continue. (Sec.
1)
7. Directs ADVS to adopt rules necessary for the Program. (Sec. 1)
8. Repeals the Program on January 1, 2028. (Sec. 2)
9. Appropriates $600,000 and one FTE position from the GF to ADVS in FY 2024. (Sec. 3)
10. Allows ADVS to spend up to $100,000 of the appropriated monies to hire one program
specialist and pay for other administrative costs, including marketing, associated with the
Program. (Sec. 3)
11. Exempts the appropriation from lapsing. (Sec. 3)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note