Veterans

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 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.