BILL NUMBER: S4958
SPONSOR: BAILEY
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to creating an identifi-
cation card program for incarcerated individuals in local correctional
facilities; and to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to
issuance of and waiver of fees for identification cards issued pursuant
to identification card programs under the correction law
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA:
To create an identification card program for local correctional facili-
ties; and relates to issuance of and waiver of fees for identification
cards issued pursuant to certain identification card programs.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends the correction law by adding a new section
512.
1. Contains the definition for "identification card."
2. Directs the Department of Motor Vehicles to develop a program that
would allow incarcerated individuals in local corrections who do not
otherwise possess a current form of photo identification issued by the
Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain a photo identification upon such
individual's release from a local correctional facility.
3. Provides that the sentence and commitment of an incarcerated individ-
ual shall be deemed sufficient to grant authorization to the relevant
sheriff to assist the person in applying for and obtaining photo iden-
tification.
4. Provides for the procedures by which an incarcerated individual may
be issued photo identification by such a facility.
Section 2 amends section 490 of the vehicle and traffic law by adding a
new subdivision 4.
4. Provides that identificaLion cards issued to incarcerated individuals
pursuant to sections eleven and five hundred twelve of the correction
law shall be formatted identically to all other identification cards
pursuant to this section.
Section 3 amends subdivision 3 of section 491 of the vehicle and traffic
law.
3. Provides that the Department of Motor Vehicles shall waive fees
required in subdivision 2 of section 491 when issuing photo identifica-
tion to incarcerated individuals in local correctional facilities.
JUSTIFICATION:
Each year, more than 600,000 people are released from state and federal
prisons. Too often, these individuals do not have the opportunity or
means to obtain important identification documents. Many formerly
incarcerated individuals find themselves without state identification
after they reenter society because their previous documentation expired
or was lost or damaged while they were incarcerated. Moreover, formerly
incarcerated people have difficulty accessing birth certificates and
Social Security cards, which are required documents to obtain state
identification. Additionally, the process for procuring such documents
can be daunting and costly.
State-issued identification is frequently required to access social
services, secure housing, and apply for employment - all factors that
can play a crucial role in a person's successful reintegration into the
community. People leaving prisons and jails with state ID cards may be
able to access vital services and support more quickly than those with-
out ID cards.
Issuing state identification while people are still incarcerated is an
effective tool to support successful reentry. Valid identification is
pivotal in the process of acquiring many elements of reentry that have
proven successful at reducing recidivism.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: Referred to Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
FISCAL IMPLICATION FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such effective date.
Statutes affected: S4958: 490 vehicle and traffic law, 491 vehicle and traffic law, 491(3) vehicle and traffic law