HF 330

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 01/17/2023 11:59am

A bill for an act
relating to state government; creating the Office of New Americans; establishing
the Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs;
requiring reports; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
116J.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [116J.4231] OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Office established; purpose. new text end

new text begin (a) The Office of New Americans is
established within the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The governor
must appoint an executive director who serves in the unclassified service. The executive
director must hire a program manager, an office assistant, and any staff necessary to carry
out the office's duties under subdivision 2.
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new text begin (b) The purpose of the office is to serve immigrants and refugees in Minnesota by:
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new text begin (1) addressing challenges that face immigrants and refugees in Minnesota;
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new text begin (2) creating access in economic development and workforce programs and services; and
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new text begin (3) providing interstate agency coordination, policy reviews, and guidance that assist in
creating access for immigrants and refugees.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties. new text end

new text begin The Office of New Americans has the duty to:
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new text begin (1) create and implement a statewide strategy to support immigrant and refugee integration
into Minnesota communities;
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new text begin (2) address the state's workforce needs by connecting employers and job seekers within
the immigrant and refugee community;
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new text begin (3) identify strategies to reduce employment barriers for immigrants and refugees;
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new text begin (4) ensure equitable opportunities and access to services within state government for
immigrants and refugees;
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new text begin (5) work with state agencies and community and foundation partners to undertake studies
and research and analyze economic and demographic trends to better understand and serve
the state's immigrant and refugee communities;
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new text begin (6) coordinate and establish best practices for language access initiatives to all state
agencies;
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new text begin (7) convene stakeholders and make policy recommendations to the governor on issues
impacting immigrants and refugees;
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new text begin (8) promulgate rules necessary to implement and effectuate this section;
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new text begin (9) provide an annual report, as required by subdivision 3; and
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new text begin (10) perform any other activities consistent with the office's purpose.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reporting. new text end

new text begin (a) Beginning January 15, 2025, and each year thereafter, the Office
of New Americans shall report to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over the
office's activities during the previous year.
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new text begin (b) The report shall contain, at a minimum:
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new text begin (1) a summary of the office's activities;
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new text begin (2) suggested policies, incentives, and legislation designed to accelerate the achievement
of the duties under subdivision 2;
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new text begin (3) any proposed legislative and policy initiatives;
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new text begin (4) the amount and types of grants awarded under subdivision 6; and
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new text begin (5) any other information deemed necessary and requested by the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over the office.
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new text begin (c) The report may be submitted electronically and is subject to section 3.195, subdivision
1.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee
Affairs. new text end

new text begin (a) An Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
is established to advise the Office of New Americans.
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new text begin (b) The purpose of the council is to identify and establish ways in which state departments
and agencies can work together to deliver state programs and services effectively and
efficiently to Minnesota's immigrant and refugee populations. The council shall implement
policies, procedures, and programs requested by the governor through the state departments
and offices.
new text end

new text begin (c) The council shall be chaired by the executive director of the Office of New Americans
and shall be composed of the commissioners, department directors, or designees from the
following state departments and offices:
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new text begin (1) the governor's office;
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new text begin (2) the Department of Administration;
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new text begin (3) the Department of Employment and Economic Development;
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new text begin (4) the Department of Human Services;
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new text begin (5) the Department of Human Services Refugee Resettlement Programs Office;
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new text begin (6) the Department of Labor and Industry;
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new text begin (7) the Department of Health;
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new text begin (8) the Department of Education;
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new text begin (9) the Office of Higher Education;
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new text begin (10) the Department of Public Safety;
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new text begin (11) the Department of Corrections; and
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new text begin (12) the Office of New Americans.
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new text begin (d) Each department or office specified in paragraph (c) shall designate one staff member
as an immigrant and refugee services liaison. The liaison's responsibilities shall include:
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new text begin (1) preparation and dissemination of information and services available to immigrants
and refugees;
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new text begin (2) interfacing with the Office of New Americans on issues that impact immigrants and
refugees and their communities; and
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new text begin (3) where applicable, serving as the point of contact for immigrants and refugees accessing
resources both within the department and with boards charged with oversight of a profession.
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new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin No right of action. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section shall be construed to create any
right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party
against the state; its departments, agencies, or entities; its officers, employees, or agents;
or any other person.
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new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Grants. new text end

new text begin Within the limits of available appropriations, the Office of New
Americans may apply for grants for interested state agencies, community partners, and
stakeholders under this section to carry out the duties under subdivision 2.
new text end