Bill
HB 25-1244
Creates the Welcome, Reception, & Integration Grant Program to fund local governments and nonprofits that guide newcomers toward settlement, services, and integration.
Status: Governor Signed (May 24, 2025)
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Primary sponsors: Representatives Lisa Cutter, Elizabeth Velasco, Lorena García
Other sponsors: J. Joseph; C. Kipp; M. Lindsay; M. Martinez; A. Boesenecker; D. Michaelson Jenet; T. Exum; T. Story; I. Jodeh; M. Weissman; E. Sirota; M. Rutinel; J. Mabrey; F. Winter; T. Sullivan; M. Froelich; G. Rydin; K. Wallace; K. Brown; Y. Zokaie; B. Titone; C. Clifford
Legislative actions (key dates)
- Introduced in the House: Feb 12, 2025
- Passed House (third reading): Mar 31, 2025 (no amendments)
- Passed Senate (third reading): Apr 23, 2025 (no amendments)
- Sent to Governor: May 13, 2025
- Governor signed into law: May 24, 2025
What the bill is (confirmed)
- The bill’s title establishes a “Welcome, Reception, & Integration Grant Program.” The provided materials do not include the bill text or fiscal details, so specific statutory language, funding levels, eligibility criteria, administering agency, sunset/continuing provisions, or appropriation amounts are not available here.
Likely purpose and intent (based on the title and common practice)
- To create a state grant program that supports the reception, welcome, and social and economic integration of newcomers to the state. Newcomers typically include immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and other recently arrived people needing services to integrate into communities.
- To provide funding to local governments, nonprofit organizations, community‑based service providers, and possibly tribal entities to deliver services that facilitate integration.
Typical key provisions such a program would include (seek full text to confirm)
- Establishment of a grant program and authorization of appropriations or funding sources.
- Identification of an administering state agency (e.g., department of human services, public health, or a grants office) responsible for rulemaking, application processes, and awarding grants.
- Eligible grantees (local governments, school districts, non‑profits, faith‑based organizations, community groups).
- Eligible uses: reception services (short‑term shelter, food), case management, language access and interpretation, civic orientation, employment and workforce services, housing assistance, legal services, health and behavioral health supports, and school enrollment support.
- Reporting, accountability, and performance measures for grantees.
Who would be affected
- Newcomers in the state seeking settlement and integration services.
- Local governments and community organizations that provide direct services and may compete for grant funding.
- State agencies that will administer, monitor, and report on the program.
- Potential fiscal impact on the state budget, depending on whether the bill includes an appropriation (not specified here).
Next steps / where to find details
- To understand specific eligibility, funding amounts, program administration, and implementation timelines, consult the enrolled bill text and any fiscal notes or implementing rules published by the relevant state agency. The bill was signed into law May 24, 2025, so implementing guidance or appropriations may be published subsequently.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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