HB5367

West Virginia Refugee Absorptive Capacity Act establishes criteria for determining refugee resettlement capacity.

The West Virginia Refugee Absorptive Capacity Act sets criteria for determining if a community can absorb new refugees. It defines "absorptive capacity" as the ability of local agencies to meet community needs without strain. The state refugee coordinator must assess this capacity annually and report findings. The act also allows for a one-year moratorium on resettlement if a community lacks capacity. It mandates quarterly meetings between local governments and resettlement agencies to plan refugee placements.