KY HB531

Department for Community Based Services designated to administer federal Refugee Act of 1980 funds and implement a statewide compliance strategy for refugee resettlement

Department will serve as primary liaison between immigrant/refugee-serving organizations, businesses, and the federal government, and advise the Governor on refugee acceptance decisions and settlement locations based on available housing

Annual report required to Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and Legislative Research Commission detailing total refugees settled by county, federal/state funding allocations, and Governor recommendations on refugee placement

Report must include estimated number of refugee students in K-12 public schools and their education costs calculated using the average base funding level per pupil under KRS 157.360

Services breakdown required in report covering employment training, English language training, cash assistance, and health/medical assistance provided by federal, state, and nonprofit entities; first report due July 1, 2027