The West Virginia Refugee Absorptive Capacity Act.

HB 2073, the West Virginia Refugee and Immigrant Absorptive Capacity Act, requires the state to evaluate whether communities can support new refugees and immigrants by assessing factors like healthcare access, housing availability, school capacity, and job market conditions before resettlement. The state refugee office must coordinate with local governments through quarterly meetings and provide at least 30 days of public notice before arrivals, including direct notice to residents who request it. The bill mandates a fiscal impact assessment and regular reports to ensure resettlement plans align with community capacity without straining local resources. This law directly affects the state Department of Human Services, local governments, and refugee resettlement organizations operating in West Virginia.