This bill amends South Dakota law to modify the eligibility criteria for individuals who can sign an affidavit for proof of homelessness, which is necessary for waiving the fee for a nondriver identification card. The Department of Public Safety will continue to waive the fee one time for an original or duplicate nondriver identification card for applicants who are homeless. However, the bill specifies that the affidavit must now be signed by a broader range of individuals classified as "homeless services providers."

The definition of "homeless services provider" is expanded to include not only officials or employees of government or nonprofit agencies that provide various forms of assistance, such as food banks and homeless shelters, but also includes school district-designated homeless liaisons, certified school counselors, licensed school nurses, and licensed social workers. This change aims to facilitate access to identification for homeless individuals by allowing more professionals to attest to their status, thereby streamlining the process for obtaining necessary identification.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/17/2025: 32-12-17.16
Enrolled, 02/19/2025: 32-12-17.16