HCM 2007 is a memorial resolution proposing to rename five equal sections of Arizona's State Route 69 as Veterans Memorial Highways, honoring specific conflicts: World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm, and Iraq/Afghanistan wars. It directs the State Board on Geographic and Historic Names to implement this change by dividing the highway into five segments with the designated names. This is a naming resolution, not a substantive law, and does not alter regulations, funding, or public policy. The bill is currently pending with the State Board after passing initial House readings.
SB 1413 amends Arizona law to clarify and update the existing veterans' tuition deferment program. It allows eligible veterans to defer payment for tuition, fees, and required books/materials for up to 120 days while awaiting federal VA education benefits, requiring only a no-interest promissory note. If VA benefits haven't arrived by the 120-day deadline, the deferment may be extended until benefits are received. Colleges may withhold grades or transfer credits until the deferred amount is paid. This bill directly affects veterans enrolled in Arizona state colleges or universities who are waiting for VA benefit disbursements.
HB 2062 authorizes a memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza dedicated to Buffalo Soldiers who served in Arizona Territory, naming it the "Buffalo Soldiers Arizona Territory Monument." The bill requires all fundraising and construction costs to be covered by private groups - state funds cannot be used, and the state cannot facilitate fundraising or create a dedicated fund. The memorial's establishment follows existing procedures under Arizona law, and the bill expires on September 30, 2027, ending this authorization. This is a commemorative measure with no direct impact on residents or policy changes.
HB 2090 modifies Arizona's Long-Term Disability (LTD) program under the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). It sets a cap on monthly LTD benefits at two-thirds of a member's monthly compensation, with specific reductions for social security benefits (85% for post-July 1, 2008 disabilities, excluding certain fees and cost-of-living adjustments) and other income like workers' compensation, veteran's disability payments, or employer-provided benefits. The bill establishes a $50 minimum monthly benefit and clarifies that ASRS must offset benefits to ensure total income from all sources doesn't exceed 100% of the member's pre-disability compensation. This directly affects ASRS members who become disabled, determining their benefit amount based on these calculations and exclusions.
HB 2620 allocates $300,000 annually from the state general fund for fiscal years 2026-2031 to the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services. This funding will be distributed as grants to emergency shelters that provide low-barrier, single-adult shelter for veterans aged 55 or older, with at least 100 beds in non-congregate settings, specifically serving homeless veterans. The bill targets shelters that don’t require pre-scheduled appointments to ensure immediate access for vulnerable veterans. This is a funding measure, not a new program, directly supporting existing shelters serving homeless veterans through annual grants.
HB 2165 exempts Arizona veterans from state park admission fees. Veterans must present their military ID to receive the exemption, which covers the veteran and up to three additional people in per-person fee systems or all passengers in the same vehicle for per-vehicle fees. The bill directly affects eligible veterans visiting Arizona state parks. This change modifies existing fee policies under Section 8 of Arizona Revised Statutes § 41-511.05 without altering other park operations or fee structures.
HB 2127 creates a new bronze star medal license plate program for Arizona veterans. Eligible veterans who received a Bronze Star medal, or their immediate family members, can obtain these plates by providing proof to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The bill requires a $25 one-time fee (plus standard registration) for the initial plate, with a $5 annual renewal fee, and directs the $25 fee to Arizona's veterans' donations fund. This is a procedural change establishing a new specialty plate type with specific eligibility and funding mechanisms.
HB 2759 allocates $500,000 from Arizona's state general fund for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the Department of Veterans' Services. This funding is specifically designated to partner with an educational institution in Yavapai County to provide veterans programs. The bill directly affects veterans in Yavapai County by supporting local educational partnerships for services. It does not change existing laws but provides new funding for existing program delivery through a county-specific partnership.
HB 2373 allows Arizona taxpayers to voluntarily contribute a portion of their income tax refund to a veterans' fund via their tax return. The bill creates a new provision (43-623) enabling this donation, which the Department of Revenue will transfer to the Veterans' Donations Fund. This fund includes specific subaccounts: one for the Enduring Freedom Memorial (via section 28-2431), another for women veterans' services (via section 28-2447), and two for military family scholarships (via sections 28-2454 and 28-2470.10). The bill directly affects taxpayers who choose to donate, veterans' service organizations (501(c)(19) qualified), and the Departments of Veterans Services and Revenue.
HB 2792 creates property tax exemptions for Arizona veterans with disabilities and certain other groups. Veterans with a 100% service-connected disability rating get full exemption on their primary residence, while those with lower ratings (service or non-service connected) receive a partial exemption capped at $4,188, adjusted by their disability percentage. Widows, widowers, and people with total permanent disabilities also qualify for a $4,188 exemption, subject to income limits of $34,901-$41,870 depending on household size. The exemption amounts and income thresholds automatically adjust annually based on inflation metrics. This bill directly affects eligible veterans, their surviving spouses, and qualifying widows/widowers by reducing their property tax burden.