Wyoming House Bill HB0266

Wyoming 2023 Regular Session

• Failed: 1/31/23

Caption

Refugee resettlement plan accountability.

Impact

The bill represents a significant change in how refugee resettlement programs will operate in Wyoming by shifting authority from executive to legislative oversight. No refugee resettlement plan will be effective immediately upon submission; instead, it will require legislative scrutiny and approval. This aims to facilitate structured integration processes while ensuring that the resources and planning involved are addressed adequately. Public hearings are mandated, allowing for community input which can enhance transparency and public participation in the resettlement process.

Summary

House Bill 0266 refers to the 'Refugee Resettlement Plan Accountability' and mandates that the Wyoming legislature maintains exclusive authority over refugee resettlement plans. This bill stipulates that any refugee resettlement plan must be submitted to the legislature for approval before it can be enacted. It assigns the responsibility of managing these plans to a designated state agency and requires details such as the integration of language training and job assistance for resettled refugees to be part of the submitted plan. The bill aims to ensure that the state has control over how refugees are supported and integrated into Wyoming communities.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding this bill due to its emphasis on legislative control over refugee policies, which could be viewed as restricting local agencies' ability to respond quickly to emergent refugee needs. Critics might argue that placing such requirements on refugee resettlement complicates and delays essential processes that could help asylum seekers and refugees transition into society more efficiently. Moreover, the bill could generate debate on the adequacy of state resources for supporting these plans effectively, especially in light of community concerns over economic self-sufficiency and service provision.