The proposed bill, if enacted, would establish the Arizona Office of Defense Innovation within the Arizona Commerce Authority, aimed at fostering partnerships to drive innovation in defense technologies and attract federal and private investments. Key provisions include the appointment of a director by the Governor, the formation of an advisory board with members appointed by various state leaders, and the requirement for board members to serve staggered three-year terms while representing diverse geographic areas and expertise in defense-related fields. The Office would also be tasked with various responsibilities, including acting as a liaison with the Department of Defense, increasing federal funding for defense, and supporting local companies in securing defense contracts.

Additionally, the bill appropriates $350,000 from the state general fund for fiscal year 2025-2026 to support the Office's operations. It allows the Office to accept grants and donations to further its mission and mandates the submission of an annual report detailing the Office's activities and recommendations for improvement. The legislation emphasizes the importance of the defense industry to Arizona's economy and positions the state to leverage its unique resources for enhanced economic development in this sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-1529