Bill > H2609

This bill aims to improve the successful re-entry of incarcerated individuals by ensuring they have proper identification upon release from correctional facilities. The legislation requires the administrative officer of a correctional facility to begin the process of obtaining a state identification card or driver's license for an incarcerated person at least 120 days before their expected discharge date. For individuals without a permanent address, the bill allows the use of alternative addresses, such as a family member's residence, a temporary group residence, a place of worship, or the city/town hall where they intend to reside. The bill mandates that the Registry of Motor Vehicles accept a valid inmate identification card as proof of Massachusetts residency and provides options for obtaining identification at no cost through an affidavit of indigency or using personal funds. Incarcerated individuals can choose not to receive an identification card, but the Department of Corrections must report annually on the number of individuals who opt out and the reasons why. The legislation emphasizes that obtaining identification should not extend an individual's sentence and aims to facilitate a smoother transition back into society by addressing a critical barrier many formerly incarcerated people face.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2609