Bill > S143

This bill requires the executive offices of housing and livable communities, health and human services, and the office for immigrants and refugees to conduct a comprehensive study on immigrant and refugee resettlement in Massachusetts. The study will analyze the current refugee resettlement infrastructure, examining areas such as reception and placement efforts, economic impacts of newly arrived individuals, existing service gaps, potential state funding allocations, coordination between state agencies and resettlement organizations, and the relationship between state and federal immigration systems. The study will also investigate the integration pipeline for immigrants and refugees, evaluating current support systems and recommending public policy to ensure successful long-term integration into society and the workforce. Additionally, the bill calls for an assessment of how resettlement agencies can be integrated into the state's emergency assistance and shelter infrastructure. The agencies are authorized to procure consulting services and involve experts and stakeholders in the research. Within 60 days, members from relevant executive offices will be named to support the study, and within one year, a detailed report must be filed with legislative clerks and the director of the office of refugees and immigrants, potentially including draft legislation or recommendations for improving resettlement services.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S143