BILL NUMBER: S7032
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing
qualified homeless individuals non-driver state identification cards
 
PURPOSE:
To provide free non-driver state identification cards to those who qual-
ify as homeless.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Section 490 Subdivision 3 paragraph (a)subparagraph
(iii) to extend fee waivers to individuals who can verify their homeless
status. It adds that homeless individuals will be able to verify their
status through documentation from recognized homeless service providers,
attorneys, social workers, government agencies, and law enforcement
liaisons. Additionally, it adopts definitions from the federal McKin-
ney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to ensure consistency in identifying
individuals and service providers.
Section 2: Provides the effective date as the ninetieth day after it
shall have become a law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This bill seeks to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to allow homeless
individuals to obtain non-driver state identification cards free of
charge. By expanding access to identification, this legislation aims to
remove a significant barrier that prevents homeless individuals from
accessing essential services, securing employment, and fully participat-
ing in society.
Identification is a fundamental necessity for individuals seeking to
improve their circumstances. Without a government-issued ID, homeless
individuals often struggle to obtain housing, medical care, employment,
and social services. Currently, many applicants for identification cards
must provide a stable address or pay a fee, both of which pose signif-
icant obstacles for those experiencing homelessness. This bill ensures
that homeless individuals have equitable access to official identifica-
tion, empowering them to navigate daily life more effectively.
On January 12, 2015, New York City launched IDNYC, a government-issued
identification program designed to provide all city residents, regard-
less of immigration status, with official identification. Since its
inception, IDNYC has facilitated reentry into society by enabling indi-
viduals to access essential services. The card allows holders to apply
for a public library card, use job search resources, and avoid arrest by
serving as an acceptable form of identification for summonses and desk
appearances. It also grants access to the High School Equivalency exam,
select banks and credit unions, public museums, and discounts on enter-
tainment, sporting events, and retail purchases.
Official identification is a crucial tool for personal and economic
stability, granting access to services that might otherwise be denied
due to a lack of proper documentation. For residents without permanent
housing or survivors of domestic abuse, proof of residency can be estab-
lished through a letter from a city agency, nonprofit organization,
religious institution, hospital, or health clinic. Additionally, the
financial burden of replacing legal documents such as state-issued iden-
tification cards, passports, and birth certificates is a significant
challenge for individuals with limited resources. Beyond its practical
benefits, IDNYC has provided many cardholders with a sense of belonging,
with focus group participants describing it as something that makes them
feel like a "real" New Yorker.
Given the success of IDNYC, it is time to extend similar benefits to
individuals outside of New York City. This bill seeks to provide home-
less individuals across New York State with the same opportunities,
ensuring that everyone, regardless of housing status, has the identifi-
cation needed to build a stable and secure future.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S7032: 490 vehicle and traffic law, 490(3) vehicle and traffic law