HB 2487 Summary

• Expands the Department of Veterans' Services authority to establish and operate multiple veterans' home facilities throughout Arizona, rather than limiting facilities to southern Arizona.

• Authorizes the department to construct, operate, and maintain veterans' homes as self-sustaining facilities providing long-term care and skilled nursing services to veterans and their spouses.

• Permits the department to bypass competitive bidding requirements under state procurement law when purchasing items at federal supply contract prices and when contracting for services related to gift shops and vending machines at veterans' homes.

• Establishes the State Homes for Veterans Trust Fund administered by the director for operating and maintaining state-operated nursing and domiciliary homes, with fund monies exempt from lapsing appropriations and available for investment.