The proposed "West Virginia Refugee and Immigrant Absorptive Capacity Act" establishes a framework for managing the resettlement of refugees and immigrants in the state. It defines key terms related to absorptive capacity, which evaluates local governments' and social service agencies' ability to accommodate new arrivals without adversely affecting current residents. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the state office within the Department of Human Services, including conducting quarterly meetings with local governments, executing agreements with resettlement agencies, and providing certifications regarding health and security risks. It also mandates the collection of fiscal impact assessments and annual reports on the effects of resettlement.

Additionally, the legislation allows local governments to apply for a moratorium on new resettlement activities if they lack sufficient absorptive capacity. The state office is required to assess the fiscal impact of refugees and immigrants annually and collect fees from resettlement organizations based on the number of individuals they bring into the state. The Governor is granted the authority to issue executive orders to halt resettlement activities if necessary for the protection of existing residents. Key legal language inserted into the current law clarifies that the Department of Human Services will enforce these provisions without creating a new agency and references the existing plan signed by the Governor in 2016. The bill also includes a severability clause to ensure the validity of remaining sections if any part is deemed invalid.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-17-1, 15-17-2, 15-17-3, 15-17-4, 15-17-5, 15-17-6, 15-17-7, 15-17-8