This bill concerns the issuance of identity cards or motor vehicle operator's licenses to individuals being discharged from a correctional facility. The bill repeals and replaces certain sections of the general statutes related to this issue.

Under the new law, the Commissioners of Correction and Motor Vehicles are required to ensure that individuals who are incarcerated possess an identity card or motor vehicle operator's license at the time of their discharge or release from a correctional facility. The bill specifies that this requirement applies to individuals who have served any part of a term of imprisonment for a misdemeanor or felony conviction with a sentence of not less than one year, unless the individual indicates in writing that they do not wish to obtain such card or license, or is otherwise ineligible for it. The bill also establishes a process for the Commissioner of Correction to assist individuals in obtaining the necessary documentation and photographs to obtain or renew an identity card or license prior to their discharge from the correctional facility. The Commissioner of Correction is required to provide an identity card or license to any person who requested assistance in obtaining one and is not otherwise ineligible to receive it. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Correction, in collaboration with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, to report annually to the General Assembly on the number of identity cards and licenses issued to formerly incarcerated persons, as well as any issues encountered in implementing the provisions of the bill.

The bill also amends another section of the general statutes to require the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to establish a procedure to renew operator's licenses and identity cards of incarcerated persons without their appearance at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This renewal process would be initiated at the request of an incarcerated person who responds to a renewal notice. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to examine whether any feasible modifications can be made to expand the permissible forms of identification for obtaining operator's licenses and identity cards for incarcerated persons, and to implement such modifications if feasible.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 18-81ff
JUD Joint Favorable: 18-81ff
File No. 588: 18-81ff
APP Joint Favorable: 18-81ff
File No. 836: 18-81ff, 14-41c
Public Act No. 23-88: 18-81ff, 14-41c