SB 1468 Summary

• Prohibits Arizona state and local governments from using personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer, or cooperate with the federal refugee resettlement program under 45 Code of Federal Regulations part 400.

• Requires the Department of Economic Security director to notify the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services within two business days that Arizona is suspending participation in the refugee resettlement program, with suspension remaining in effect until the legislature passes a bill authorizing resumption or permanent withdrawal.

• Charities and entities participating in refugee resettlement must immediately cease all activities placing refugees in Arizona and file a report with the Department of Economic Security within 15 business days describing compliance efforts and number of affected refugees.

• Imposes civil penalties of $1,000 per day per refugee for charities that continue resettlement activities in violation of the suspension; requires reimbursement for costs of arrest, prosecution, or incarceration of any refugee placed in violation of the suspension who commits a crime, and allows civil actions for damages.

• Directs the Auditor General to prepare a comprehensive report by October 27, 2017 analyzing refugee demographics, program benefit usage, costs to the state, federal funding to charities, vetting procedures, and coordination with federal authorities over the preceding ten calendar years; report section repeals December 31, 2019.