Bill > HB1712

This bill addresses the challenges faced by homeless individuals in obtaining essential identification documents by creating new provisions in Texas law that allow homeless individuals to obtain certified birth records, driver's licenses, and personal identification certificates with reduced barriers. The bill defines a "homeless individual" as someone without a fixed, regular residence, including those staying in shelters, temporary institutions, or public spaces not meant for sleeping. Under the new law, state registrars, local registrars, and county clerks must issue certified birth records to homeless individuals free of charge, and the Department of State Health Services must develop a verification process that allows individuals to provide a letter from shelter directors, transitional housing program directors, or law enforcement agencies to prove their homeless status. Similarly, for driver's licenses and personal identification certificates, the Texas Department of Public Safety must create rules to verify homeless status, exempt fees, and allow alternative documentation, with the key provision that no physical address can be required. The bill also makes corresponding administrative adjustments to fee exemption accounting and specifies that these new provisions will take effect on September 1, 2025, applying to applications submitted on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1712