ADVS State Veterans/Military Legislation Update
52nd Arizona Legislature, Second Regular Session
Thursday, 31 March 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
COW=Committee of the Whole (House or Senate)
To view bills go to: http://www.azleg.gov/Bills.asp
Senate Bills
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. 10 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 18 Feb 2016-Passed Senate 29-0-1 not voting and transmitted to the House. 8 March 2016-First Read in House and assigned to the House MAPS Committee and House Rules Committee. 17 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House MAPS Committee, 8-0. 24 March 2016-Out of Rules. Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW.
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. 10 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 18 Feb 2016-Passed Senate 29-0-1 not voting and transmitted to the House. 24 Feb 2016-First Read in House and assigned to House MAPS Committee and House Rules Committee. 3 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent. 14 March 2016-Out of House Rules. Placed on Consent Calendar.
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) time on 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. 10 Feb 2016-Smith technical amendment adopted and given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 11 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” in Senate Education Committee, 6-0-1 not voting. 18 Feb 2016-Passed Senate 28-0-2 not voting and transmitted to the House. 2 March 2016-First Read in House and assigned to the House Government and Higher Education Committee and House Rules Committee. 10 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House Government and Higher Education Committee, 6-0-3 absent. 16 March 2016-Out of House Rules. 17 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW.
SB 1382- committee of reference; standing committee NOW: certification; identification; registration; service animals
The strike-everything amendment to SB 1382 modifies statutes relating to service animals in a public place and establishes penalties for fraudulently claiming to be the owner or trainer of a service animal. Would 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. Judy Burges, R-Dist. 22;
Major Actions: 23 March 2016-Rep. Russell Bowers “Strike Everything” amendment adopted in House Appropriations Committee making this bill one that deals with service animals as outlined above. Given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation 8-6.
SB 1437- national defense laws; prohibited actions
Would prohibit federal authorities from arresting under or otherwise subjecting any Arizona citizen to “the law of war”.
Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Judy Burges, R-Dist. 22
Major Actions: 1 February 2016-First Read and assigned to the Senate Federalism, Mandates, and Fiscal Responsibility Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 9 Feb 2016-Amendment adopted changing term ”resident” to “citizen” in Senate Federalism, Mandates, and Fiscal Responsibility Committee, and given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation 4-2-1 not voting. 15 Feb 2016-“Proper For Consideration” in Senate Rules Committee. 25 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate COW. 29 Feb 2016-Passed Senate 18-12 and transmitted to the House. 3 March 2016- First Read and assigned to House Federalism and States Rights Committee and House Rules Committee. 16 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House Federalism and States Rights Committee, 4-3-1 absent.
SB 1513- submarine memorial; delayed repeal
In 2014, the Legislature approved building a memorial commemorating U. S. submarine veterans in Wesley Bolin Plaza at the State Capitol. Under that legislation, the memorial was to have been built by September 2017. This bill extends that time until 1 September 2020.
Primary Sponsor(s): Sen. Adam Driggs, R-Dist. 28
Major Actions: 2 February 2016-First Read and assigned to Senate Government Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 17 Feb 2016, Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Government Committee, 6-0-1 not voting. 22 Feb 2016-“Proper For Consideration” in Senate Rules Committee. 25 Feb 2016-Passed Senate 28-0-2 not voting and transmitted to the House. 3 March 2016-First Read and assigned to House MAPS Committee and House Rules Committee. 10 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House MAPS Committee, 6-0-2 absent. 16 March 2016-Out of House Rules. 17 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW.
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. 10 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 22 Feb 2016-“Proper For Consideration” in Senate Rules Committee. 25 Feb 2016-Passed Senate 28-0-2 not voting and transmitted to the House. 3 March 2016-First Read and assigned to House MAPS Committee and House Rules Committee. 10 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent. 16 March 2016-Out of House Rules. 17 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW.
House Bills
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. 4 Feb 2016-Stevens floor amendment adopted. Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW. 8 Feb 2016-Passed House 56-0-4 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 16 Feb 2016- First Read and assigned to the Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee, Senate Finance Committee, and Senate Rules Committee. 24 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 5-0-1 not voting. 2 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Finance Committee, 4-0-1 not voting. 14 March 2016-Out of Senate Rules. 23 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate COW. 28 March 2016-Passed House 27-0-3 not voting and returned to the Senate. 30 March 2016-Transmitted to the Governor.
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. 4 Feb 2016-Passed House 56-0-4 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 16 Feb 2016- First Read and assigned to the Senate Public Safety, Military and Technology (PSMT) Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senate Rules Committee. 24 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 5-0-1 not voting. 22 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Appropriations Committee, 8-0.
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. 2 Feb 2016- Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, 8-1. A clarifying floor amendment to be prepared to say only one exemption per family allowed. 11 Feb 2016-Borrelli floor amendment adopted Given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation in House COW. 16 Feb 2016-Passed House 51-9 and transmitted to the Senate. 18 Feb 2016-First Read in Senate and assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee, Senate PSMT Committee, Senate Appropriations Committee, and Senate Rules Committee. 1 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Transportation Committee, 5-0-3 not voting. 16 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 4-0-2 not voting. 22 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Appropriations Committee, 8-0.
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-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House Ways and Means Committee, 8-0-1 not voting. 18 Feb 2016-Passed House 54-4-2 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 18 Feb 2016-Passed House 54-4-2 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 23 Feb 2016-First Read in Senate and assigned to the Senate Finance Committee, Senate PSMT Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 9 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the Senate PSMT Committee, 5-1. 16 March 2016- Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in the Senate Finance Committee, 5-0.
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. 18 Feb 2016-Passed House 57-0-3 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 23 Feb 2016-First Read in Senate and assigned to the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Senate PSMT Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 29 February 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Natural Resources Committee, 6-0-1 not voting. 9 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 14 March 2016-Out of Senate Rules. 23 March 2016-Caucus. 24 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate COW.
HB 2621- veterans; state park; appropriation
Would appropriate $800,000 to the Arizona State Parks Board to purchase land to establish a veterans memorial state park. Would establish a study committee to evaluate whether a veterans memorial state park should be established.
Primary Sponsor: Rep. Jonathan Larkin, D-Dist. 30, et al.
Major Actions: 8 February 2016-First Read and assigned to House MAPS Committee, House Appropriations Committee, and House Rules Committee. 18 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House MAPS Committee, 7-1-1 absent. 29 Feb 2016-Removed from Appropriations Committee. 2 March 2016-Larkin floor amendment removing $800,000 appropriation and instead creating a study committee was adopted and given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation in House COW. Passed House 54-5-1 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 7 March 2016-First Read in the Senate and assigned to Senate PSMT Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 9 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 15 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Appropriations Committee, 8-0.
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: 26 Jan 2015-First Read and assigned to House Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS) Committee and House Rules Committee. 4 Feb 2016-Borrelli technical amendment adopted and given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation in House (MAPS) Committee 8-0. 15 Feb 2016-Out of House Rules Committee, 6-0-3 not voting. 16 Feb 2016-Given “Do Pass Amended” recommendation in House COW. 18 Feb 2016-Passed House 54-3-3 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 23 Feb 2016-First Read in Senate and assigned to Senate Federalism, Mandates and Fiscal Responsibility Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 1 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate Federalism, Mandates and Fiscal Responsibility Committee, 7-0. 7 March 2016-Given a “Proper for Consideration” recommendation in Senate Rules Committee. Placed on Consent Calendar.
HCM 2009- urging Congress; American Legion; membership
A concurrent resolution urging the United States Congress to direct the American Legion to expand its membership eligibility to include all honorably discharged military veterans.
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Sonny Borrelli, R-Dist. 5. ; et al.
Major Actions: 8 February 2016-First Read and assigned to House MAPS Committee, and House Rules Committee. 11 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House MAPS Committee, 7-0-1 absent. 22 Feb 2016-“Proper For Consideration” in House Rules Committee. 25 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW. 2 March 2016-Passed House 58-0-2 not voting and transmitted to the Senate. 7 March 2016- First Read in Senate and assigned to Senate PSMT Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 16 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 4-0-2 not voting. 28 March 2016-Out of Senate Rules Committee.
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. 16 Feb 2016-Passed House 57-3 and transmitted to the Senate. 24 March 2016-Read on floor of Senate, unanimously adopted by the Senate and returned to the House. 28 March 2016-Transmitted to the Secretary of State. ACTION COMPLETED.
HCR 2016- superior court jurisdiction; technical correction NOW: veterans education benefits awareness
As stricken, would urge the federal government to ensure that all servicemembers be provided information about all education benefits available to them at least one year prior to separation from the military.
Primary Sponsors: Rep. Vince Leach, R-Dist. 11
Major Actions: 11 February 2016- Borrelli “Strike Everything” amendment adopted in House MAPS Committee changing the resolution as described above. Given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation 7-0-1 absent. 23 Feb 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in House COW. 24 Feb 2016-Passed House 60-0 and transmitted to the Senate. 1 March 2016-First Read and assigned to Senate PMST Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 9 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 14 March 2016-Out of Senate Rules. 24 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate COW. 28 March 2016-Passed House 29-0-1 not voting. 29 March 2016-Transmitted to the Secretary of State. ACTION COMPLETED.
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. 16 Feb 2016-Passed House 54-6 and transmitted to the Senate. 1 March 2016-First Read and assigned to Senate PMST Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 9 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate PSMT Committee, 6-0. 14 March 2016-Out of Senate Rules. 24 March 2016-Given a “Do Pass” recommendation in Senate COW.
HCR 2025- purple heart state; day
Would declare Arizona a “Purple Heart State” and proclaim December 7, 2016 August 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. 16 Feb 2016-Passed House 55-5 and transmitted to the Senate. 14 March 2016-First Read in Senate and assigned to Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Rules Committee. 22 March 2016-Verbal amendment adopted proclaiming 7 August 2016 instead of 7 December 2016 as Purple Heart Day and given a “Do Pass Amended” recommendation in Senate Appropriations Committee, 8-0.
