1. Establishment; purpose; administration. The Office of New Americans is established within the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future for the purpose of improving the economic and civic integration of immigrants into the State's workforce and communities to strengthen the economy over the long term. The Office of Policy Innovation and the Future shall administer the Office of New Americans. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] 2. Director; duties. The director of the Office of New Americans shall fulfill the duties and activities listed in this section: A. Hiring professional personnel competent by education, training and experience to carry out the work of the Office of New Americans; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] B. Supervising and administering the affairs of the Office of New Americans; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] C. Determining the necessary budget for the Office of New Americans; and [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] D. Reporting on the activities of the Office of New Americans. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] 3. Duties of the Office of New Americans. Under the supervision of the director of the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future and the director of the Office of New Americans, and with guidance from the Office of New Americans Advisory Council established in section 3111, the Office of New Americans shall identify and address needs, barriers and opportunities in order to support the long-term economic and civic integration of immigrants in the State by: A. Collecting and analyzing relevant data; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] B. Coordinating with all relevant local, state and federal government agencies; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] C. Serving as the State's primary liaison with all relevant external stakeholders; and [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] D. Undertaking and promoting activities that improve the economic and civic integration of immigrants into the State's workforce and communities. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] 4. Activities. The Office of New Americans shall undertake and promote activities that improve the economic and civic integration of immigrants into the State's workforce and communities. Activities may include, but are not limited to: A. Strengthening workforce opportunities by providing guidance and promoting improved pathways for professional accreditation and licensure, supporting enhanced career pathways and engaging with businesses to increase employment, retention and advancement of immigrant employees; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] B. Expanding, improving and increasing access to English language learning programs; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] C. Strengthening financial literacy programs, financial education and entrepreneurship supports to assist individuals, immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] D. Supporting the expansion of access to legal services and protections; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] E. Partnering with and supporting municipalities, school administrative units, educational institutions, community-based organizations and businesses providing assistance or opportunities to immigrants; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] F. Participating in the nationwide Office of New Americans State Network, or its successor network, to access information and best practices from other states; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] G. Collaborating with and providing guidance to agencies of State Government and the entity designated by the Federal Government to administer the State's refugee resettlement services in developing and executing policies that support the purpose of the Office of New Americans; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] H. Coordinating with and advising federal agencies and the State's congressional delegation on federal policies that support the purpose of the Office of New Americans; [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] I. Advising the Governor and Legislature regarding any statutory, regulatory or other policies or practices that may be addressed to better support the purpose of the Office of New Americans; and [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] J. Promoting greater understanding of the history of immigration in the State, the contributions and influence of immigrants in the State and how communities may support immigrants' integration into local civic and economic life. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] 5. Rulemaking. The Office of New Americans may adopt rules as necessary for the proper administration of this section and section 3111 pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. Unless otherwise specified, rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in chapter 375, subchapter 2-A. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).] 6. Report. Beginning February 1, 2026, the Office of New Americans shall report biennially to the Governor and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over relevant matters with information and recommendations relating to the work and needs of the Office of New Americans. [PL 2023, c. 643, Pt. FF, §1 (NEW).]
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