Assigned to MAPS FOR COMMITTEE
ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session
FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1685
veterans' donations fund; grants
Purpose
Prohibits the Arizona Department of Veterans Services (ADVS) from denying or refusing
to award an Arizona Veterans' Donations Fund (VDF) grant to an applicant solely because the
applicant is a previous grant recipient. Requires ADVS to award grant money of at least $2,000,000
or the balance of the VDF annually, whichever is less.
Background
The VDF, established in 1999 by the Arizona legislature, funds programs that benefit
Veterans and their families throughout Arizona. Arizona statutes specify that tax-deductible
donations to, and monies held in, this account can never revert to the state General Fund (ADVS).
The VDF consists of monies, gifts and contributions donated to ADVS and donations made
through the purchase of Veteran, Women Veteran, and Freedom special license plates. The assets
held in the account may only be used to benefit Veterans in Arizona through small grants and large
grants, each with their own documented application process (ADVS).
The VDF is established consisting of monies, gifts and contributions donated to the ADVS
from outlined sources. ADVS administers the VDF. Monies in the VDF are continuously
appropriated and is exempt from statutes relating to lapsing. ADVS must adopt rules or policies
for grants of less than $5,000 that encourage as much competition as practicable (A.R.S.
ยง 41-608).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this
legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits ADVS from denying or refusing to award a grant to an applicant solely because the
applicant is a previous grant recipient.
2. Requires ADVS to award grant money of at least $2,000,000 or the balance of the VDF
annually, whichever is less.
3. Requires ADVS to publish a list of grant recipients on the ADVS website.
4. Requires ADVS to submit a report, beginning FY 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, on the
number of veterans who have received services through organizations that were awarded
grants.
5. Requires the report to be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate the Speaker of
the House of Representatives and the Secretary of State. FACT SHEET
S.B. 1685
Page 2
6. Makes technical changes.
7. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 9, 2024
ZD/KK/cs