This bill mandates that any resettlement agency authorized to operate in South Dakota must submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by October 1st each year. The report should detail the programs, services, and resources provided in support of refugee resettlement during the previous fiscal year. Specifically, it must include a description of each program, the number of resettled refugees served in each political subdivision, and demographic information such as age, country of origin, education, and gender. Additionally, the report must project the number of refugees expected to arrive and receive services in the current fiscal year.
The introduction of this reporting requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding refugee resettlement efforts in the state. By collecting and analyzing this data, the state can better understand the needs of resettled refugees and the effectiveness of the services provided, ultimately leading to improved support for these individuals and communities.