IL HB5259

Creates Article XVII of the Illinois Public Aid Code establishing a Refugee Social Services program administered by the Department of Human Services

Requires the Department to allocate federal and state appropriated funds to eligible counties and qualified nonprofit organizations based on the number of refugees receiving aid or residing in the county, with discretion to adjust funding based on length of U.S. residence

Mandates counties administering refugee services designate an agency to develop implementation plans that include refugee participation, prioritize community-based refugee organizations for funding, and describe service delivery methods

Requires all refugee social services programs to provide culturally appropriate case management services including English language instruction, employment training, housing assistance, public benefits navigation, and professional recredentialing support for up to 180 days, with possible extensions up to 360 days for recipients demonstrating extreme need

Permits the Department to contract with qualified nonprofits to administer services, allows counties and nonprofits to provide services simultaneously in the same county, and requires reporting and audits of contracted services; State-funded extensions apply only when appropriations are made