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 securing employment and accessing public benefits. It defines key terms such as "Homeless U.S. citizen" and "homeless shelter," and establishes eligibility criteria for receiving identification documents, which include a photo ID, replacement driver's license, or replacement birth certificate.

Under the proposed law, eligible homeless individuals 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 applicant'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. The commissioner is also tasked with developing the necessary forms to implement this process.

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