This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to issue identification cards to eligible released inmates at no cost, specifically no later than seven days prior to their release. The previous authorization for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to issue a temporary identification card has been removed, and the new language clarifies that the DMV will handle this process. The identification card will be valid for 180 days and will have the same legal standing as a standard DMV-issued identification card.

Additionally, the bill establishes that the DMV, in collaboration with the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, will develop a policy for sharing released inmates' Social Security numbers for the purpose of issuing identification cards. It also specifies that inmates who possess a valid West Virginia identification card or driver's license that expires more than 30 days after their release, or who are not U.S. citizens, are ineligible for the new identification card. The bill ensures that the issuance of these cards complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005, and mandates that the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation assist inmates in obtaining necessary documents prior to their release.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17B-2-1c