HB 21-1150 Summary

• Creates the Colorado Office of New Americans (ONA) within the Department of Labor and Employment, headed by a director appointed by the executive director, with regular access to the Governor's office and power to convene other state agencies.

• ONA shall implement statewide strategies to facilitate economic stability and promote successful integration of immigrants through workforce development, English language programs, naturalization support, and coordination with community-based organizations.

• ONA must establish a community advisory committee, conduct research and policy recommendations, ensure accessible services regardless of English proficiency, and coordinate with the Colorado Refugee Services Program to align integration goals.

• Funding through gifts, grants, and donations through fiscal year 2022-23, with General Assembly to include state funding appropriation in the second regular session of the 74th General Assembly, though earlier appropriations are not precluded.

• Director must submit annual reports to the General Assembly by November 1 starting in 2022, detailing program activities, outcomes, and progress toward integration goals; ONA is prohibited from sharing data solely for civil immigration enforcement purposes.