The proposed bill aims to enhance access to government-issued identification cards in West Virginia by establishing the "West Virginia Access to Identification Act." It includes provisions for waiving application fees for individuals demonstrating financial hardship, creating a streamlined application process for those receiving public assistance, and simplifying documentation requirements. Notably, the bill allows for the first issuance of an ID to individuals under 18 years of age without any fee and provides a 30-day grace period for applicants to gather necessary documentation.

Additionally, the bill mandates the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to implement mobile identification services to reach underserved areas, develop a fingerprint identification program, and conduct outreach and education campaigns to inform residents about the ID application process and available services. The DMV is tasked with implementing these provisions within 12 months of the bill's passage, with the overall goal of ensuring equitable access to identification for all West Virginians, particularly those from low-income or marginalized communities.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17B-2C-1d