This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 17B-2-16, to the Code of West Virginia, aimed at facilitating the issuance of identification documents to homeless individuals who are U.S. citizens and residing in homeless shelters at no cost. The legislation outlines the intent to remove barriers that prevent these individuals from obtaining necessary identification, which is crucial for employment and accessing public benefits. It defines a "Homeless U.S. citizen" and a "homeless shelter," and establishes eligibility criteria for receiving identification documents, including a photo ID, replacement driver's license, or replacement birth certificate.

To qualify for these documents, the homeless individual must reside at a homeless shelter, use the shelter's address on their application, and have an affidavit signed by a shelter representative confirming their residency. Additionally, the State Registrar must verify the individual's U.S. citizenship through approved documentation. The bill mandates that the Division of Motor Vehicles issue these documents at no cost, with a limit of one document per individual within a 30-day period, and requires the commissioner to develop necessary forms to implement this process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17B-2-16