41-603. Powers and duties

A. The department may act as guardian of an incapacitated veteran, the incapacitated spouse of a veteran or minor children of a veteran, or as conservator of the estate of a protected veteran or of the veteran's incapacitated or surviving spouse or of the minor children of a veteran. The department may act in all fiduciary matters, including as power of attorney, trustee, custodian or representative payee of a veteran, spouse of a veteran or minor child of a veteran. The department may act as the personal representative of the estate of a deceased veteran, deceased spouse of a veteran or deceased child of a veteran.

B. The department shall:

1. Assist veterans and their families and dependents in presenting, providing and establishing claims, privileges, rights and benefits they may have under federal, state or local law.

2. Inform veterans and their families and dependents and military and civilian authorities about federal, state and local laws enacted to benefit veterans and their families and dependents and members of the armed forces.

3. Collect information relating to services and facilities available to veterans.

4. Cooperate with all government and private agencies receiving services for or benefits to veterans and their families and dependents.

5. Conduct administrative reviews and, if possible, correct abuses or prevent exploitation of veterans and their families or dependents and recommend corrective legislation.

6. Adopt rules deemed necessary to administer this article.

7. Enter into agreements with veterans' organizations in this state holding a charter granted by the Congress of the United States for the beneficial interest of veterans.

8. Verify and provide written confirmation to the person of eligibility for special license plates issued pursuant to section 28-2475 by determining that all of the following are true:

(a) The person was a member of the United States armed forces on December 7, 1941.

(b) The person received an honorable discharge from the United States armed forces.

(c) The person was on station on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Hawaii time at Pearl Harbor, the Island of Oahu or offshore, at a distance not exceeding three miles.

9. Evaluate, supervise, approve and disapprove programs offered by educational institutions and training establishments pursuant to United States Code titles 10 and 38 and state rules, so that veterans and their dependents may draw the educational allowance provided by federal law while pursuing approved programs.

10. Establish an application process for the Arizona gold star military medal, shall verify the eligibility of recipients and, if funding is available, may award the Arizona gold star military medal to an eligible individual.

C. The department may:

1. Acquire property for and construct and operate veterans' home facilities in this state.

2. Acquire property for and establish and operate cemeteries for veterans in this state.

3. Establish a training center to provide training to current or potential employees and the veteran community. The department may establish a fee for this training.