The 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. This report should detail the programs, services, or resources provided in support of refugee resettlement during the previous fiscal year. Specifically, the report 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.
This new requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding refugee resettlement efforts in the state. By collecting and reporting this data, the state can better understand the impact of resettlement services and the needs of the refugee population, ultimately aiding in the development of more effective support programs.