Bill > SB12

This bill establishes the Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Agency as a new state government agency, to be headed by a secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. The agency's primary purpose is to enhance and reduce obstacles to immigrant and refugee inclusion in California's social, cultural, economic, and civic life. It will create an Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, led by a Statewide Director of Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion, which will have broad responsibilities including coordinating immigrant services, developing strategic plans, monitoring legislation, engaging stakeholders, and creating information clearinghouses. The bill includes important privacy protections, explicitly limiting information sharing and prohibiting the use of agency resources for immigration enforcement activities. The Immigrant and Refugee Inclusion Fund will be established within the State Treasury to support the office's work, and existing programs and resources related to immigrant and refugee affairs will be transferred to the new office. Employees currently working on immigrant and refugee issues will retain their civil service status when transferred. The bill includes a sunset provision, meaning the agency and its provisions will be automatically repealed on January 1, 2036, requiring future legislative action to continue its operations.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB12