This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and the establishment of the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation. Under the new provisions, the ACA will have a dedicated office aimed at fostering partnerships to drive innovation in defense technologies, which will be led by a director appointed by the Governor. The bill also establishes an advisory board for the office, consisting of members appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House, with specific qualifications and staggered terms.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any executive director or director serving at the pleasure of the Governor and retained from a previous administration must be renominated by the current Governor with Senate consent. It also changes the appointment process for the CEO of the ACA, requiring the Governor to appoint the CEO directly rather than having the ACA Board of Directors employ them. These changes aim to enhance the state's defense industry and streamline the governance of the ACA.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1529
House Engrossed Version: 41-1529