AZ SB1511

Establishes the Office of New Americans within the Department of Economic Security to serve as a central point of contact on immigration issues for state agencies, licensing boards, the media, and the public.

Office duties include responding to immigration inquiries, analyzing economic and demographic trends, developing strategies to attract and retain immigrants, gathering data on immigrant issues, and promoting business development and investment by immigrants.

Creates an advisory committee with members from seven state departments (Economic Security, Administration, Education, Health Services, Commerce Authority, Transportation, and Public Safety) plus eleven governor-appointed representatives from business, legal, education, labor, health care, and immigrant service organizations.

Advisory committee must make policy recommendations to the governor and director, serve as liaison to immigrants on state policies, ensure state services are accessible to immigrants, and conduct at least one public hearing annually on attracting and integrating immigrants.

Committee members receive no compensation but appointed members are eligible for expense reimbursement.