SB 1443 Summary

• Extends the military family relief fund through December 31, 2026, consisting of private donations, grants, and bequests administered by the Department of Veterans Services.

• Establishes two subaccounts (pre-9/11 and post-9/11 veterans) with separate advisory committees of 13 members each to determine fund uses and review financial assistance applications.

• Provides financial assistance up to $20,000 per family for eligible service members and their families, including living expense stipends for widows/widowers, temporary residence costs during medical treatment, and other living expenses.

• Expands eligibility to include service members who established residency in Arizona and maintained continuous physical presence for at least 12 months before applying.

• Increases the director's administrative allocation from 5 percent to 10 percent of donations to cover program costs, and increases the combined donation tax credit cap from $1,000,000 to $1,000,000 annually.