A bill reviving a law requiring agencies that assist refugees to submit an annual report is advancing in the Legislature.
The bill requires organizations that help resettle refugees to file a report to the governor and Legislature detailing their services along with estimated arrival numbers each year.
A similar law passed in 2017 but was phased out in 2020, the SDBA reports.
It’s sponsored by Rep. Julie Auch and Sen. Taffy Howard. They said the bill promotes transparency.
“The information is already out there and can be readily made available to us,” Howard told the House State Affairs Committee Wednesday. “We are very fortunate to welcome refugees into our state, they enrich our communities.”
The committee passed it 10 to 2. It next heads to the House floor.