VT S0056

Creates the Office of New Americans Study Committee to develop recommendations for establishing an independent Office of New Americans in Vermont

Committee consists of 9 members, including the Director of the Vermont Refugee Office as Chair, appointees from the Department of Labor and Office of Racial Equity, and 6 Governor-appointed members nominated by immigrant-serving organizations (including one New American with lived experience)

Committee must study demographic and economic data on New Americans, survey approaches used by other states, identify barriers to workforce participation, and propose the structure, duties, and funding for the new office

Written report due to legislative committees by September 1, 2026, with first meeting required by September 1, 2025; committee dissolves upon report submission or September 1, 2026

Signed into law by the Governor on May 21, 2025, effective upon passage