Bill > S1506

This bill aims to facilitate the successful transition and re-entry of incarcerated persons back into society. The key provisions are: 1. The commissioner shall ensure that the chief administrative officer of a correctional facility begins the process of securing a state identification card or driver's license for an incarcerated person up to 120 days before their expected release date. 2. The bill allows incarcerated persons to use alternative addresses, such as a family member's residence or a temporary group residence, to fulfill the residency requirements for obtaining a state ID or license, even if the address does not fully comply with federal REAL-ID regulations. 3. The Registry of Motor Vehicles must accept a valid inmate ID card as proof of Massachusetts residency for the purpose of issuing a state ID or license. 4. Incarcerated persons can choose not to receive an ID or license, but the commissioner must report annually on the number of such choices and the reasons for them. 5. The administrative officer must assist incarcerated persons in submitting an affidavit of indigency to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to waive any fees for the ID or license. The correctional facility may also use its own budget to cover these fees. 6. Upon discharge, incarcerated persons who did not refuse an ID or license will be provided with their document. The overall goal is to ensure that incarcerated persons have the necessary identification documents to facilitate their successful re-entry and transition back into the community.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S1506