A bill for an act appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for refugee resettlement assistance.
Summary
Senate File 223 appropriates $2.5 million from Iowa’s general fund for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Health and Human Services for refugee resettlement assistance. The money is to be distributed to nonprofit resettlement agencies that participate in the federal reception and placement assistance program through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State.
The bill directs HHS to allocate the funds proportionally based on the number of refugees each nonprofit agency sponsors under its federal agreement. It also requires the department to distribute the money within seven calendar days after the act takes effect, and the bill is designated as immediately effective upon enactment.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a one-time state appropriation and direct HHS to pass state funds through to eligible nonprofit refugee resettlement agencies. It would not change eligibility rules for refugees or alter federal immigration law, but it would add a state funding stream supporting local resettlement services such as reception, placement, and related assistance in Iowa.
Sentiment
The available record shows the bill was introduced with bipartisan sponsorship and referred to a subcommittee, suggesting at least some legislative interest in the proposal. However, no committee transcript or recorded vote is provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the materials supplied. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears framed as a straightforward appropriations bill rather than a controversial policy overhaul.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the use of $2.5 million in general fund dollars for refugee resettlement, which may draw differing views about state spending priorities and support for refugee services. Supporters would likely emphasize humanitarian assistance and the role of nonprofit agencies in helping refugees settle in Iowa, while critics may question the size of the appropriation, the speed of distribution, or whether state funds should be used for this purpose at all. No specific objections or amendments are documented in the provided materials.
Similar To
A bill for an act appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for refugee resettlement assistance, and including effective date provisions.
A bill for an act appropriating moneys to the department of health and human services for refugee resettlement assistance, and including effective date provisions.
repealing the refugee resettlement program in the department of health and human services and prohibiting expenditure of state funds on refugee resettlement.
Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees.
Directs the department of social services to establish a refugee resettlement program with the goals of achieving economic and social self-sufficiency, assisting victims of human trafficking, and assuring proper foster care for unaccompanied refugees.
IDAHO REFUGEE AND ILLEGAL ALIEN ACCOUNTABILITY ACT – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding an audit of the resettlement of refugees and to establish provisions regarding the immigration status and nationality of arrested individuals.