This bill establishes a new chapter in Title 74 RCW focused on providing assistance to refugees and immigrants in Washington State. It defines key terms such as "department," "federal act," "immigrant," "refugee," and "state plan," and outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in coordinating statewide efforts to support the economic and social integration of these populations. The DSHS is designated as the lead agency for developing and administering the Washington state plan for refugee resettlement, which must be submitted for federal approval.
The bill mandates that the DSHS provide various forms of assistance, including cash and medical support, as well as services such as employment assistance, English language instruction, and case management, in accordance with federal guidelines. Additionally, the department is authorized to administer services to immigrants who do not qualify for federal assistance and may contract with community-based organizations to deliver these services. The bill also allows the department to adopt necessary rules to fulfill the chapter's objectives.