The proposed bill would amend current statutes related to the military transitional housing fund by adding new provisions and modifying existing language. Specifically, it would insert language to clarify that the fund consists of legislative appropriations and designated federal monies, while deleting references to "undesignated" federal sources. The bill would also change the focus of fund expenditures from "newly constructed transitional housing" to include "project and construction planning for military transitional housing." Additionally, it would specify that fund monies may not be spent on unoccupied hotels and motels designated for homeless veterans, and it would allow the department to use no more than ten percent of the fund for administration, explicitly stating that designated federal monies cannot be used for this purpose.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new housing grant program aimed at constructing military transitional housing, veteran housing, affordable housing, or homeless housing in Arizona. The department would administer this grant program, allowing grants to be awarded to veteran-owned and operated nonprofit organizations or for-profit companies for the construction of these housing types. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the support and resources available for military members transitioning to civilian life by updating the existing framework governing the military transitional housing fund and establishing a new grant program.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-3955.02, 41-3955.03, 35-190