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.

[116J.4231] OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS.

Subdivision 1.

Office established; purpose.

(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.

(b) The purpose of the office is to serve immigrants and refugees in Minnesota by:

(1) addressing challenges that face immigrants and refugees in Minnesota;

(2) creating access in economic development and workforce programs and services; and

(3) providing interstate agency coordination, policy reviews, and guidance that assist in
creating access for immigrants and refugees.

Subd. 2.

Duties.

The Office of New Americans has the duty to:

(1) create and implement a statewide strategy to support immigrant and refugee integration
into Minnesota communities;

(2) address the state's workforce needs by connecting employers and job seekers within
the immigrant and refugee community;

(3) identify strategies to reduce employment barriers for immigrants and refugees;

(4) ensure equitable opportunities and access to services within state government for
immigrants and refugees;

(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;

(6) coordinate and establish best practices for language access initiatives to all state
agencies;

(7) convene stakeholders and make policy recommendations to the governor on issues
impacting immigrants and refugees;

(8) promulgate rules necessary to implement and effectuate this section;

(9) provide an annual report, as required by subdivision 3; and

(10) perform any other activities consistent with the office's purpose.

Subd. 3.

Reporting.

(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.

(b) The report shall contain, at a minimum:

(1) a summary of the office's activities;

(2) suggested policies, incentives, and legislation designed to accelerate the achievement
of the duties under subdivision 2;

(3) any proposed legislative and policy initiatives;

(4) the amount and types of grants awarded under subdivision 6; and

(5) any other information deemed necessary and requested by the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over the office.

(c) The report may be submitted electronically and is subject to section 3.195, subdivision
1.

Subd. 4.

Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee
Affairs.

(a) An Interdepartmental Coordinating Council on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
is established to advise the Office of New Americans.

(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.

(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:

(1) the governor's office;

(2) the Department of Administration;

(3) the Department of Employment and Economic Development;

(4) the Department of Human Services;

(5) the Department of Human Services Refugee Resettlement Programs Office;

(6) the Department of Labor and Industry;

(7) the Department of Health;

(8) the Department of Education;

(9) the Office of Higher Education;

(10) the Department of Public Safety;

(11) the Department of Corrections; and

(12) the Office of New Americans.

(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:

(1) preparation and dissemination of information and services available to immigrants
and refugees;

(2) interfacing with the Office of New Americans on issues that impact immigrants and
refugees and their communities; and

(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.

Subd. 5.

No right of action.

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.

Subd. 6.

Grants.

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.