Budget Amendment ID: FY2021-S4-149

TRP 149

Massachusetts IDs for Youth and Individuals Experiencing Homelessness

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. O'Connor, Eldridge, Timilty, Feeney and Velis, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 1595-6368, by inserting after the word "Laws" the following:- "; provided further that $75,000 shall be expended for providing state IDs for youth and individuals experiencing homelessness”; and in said item by striking out the figures “$385,813,615” and inserting in place thereof the figures "$385,888,615";

and moves to further amend the bill by adding at the end thereof the following new section:-

“SECTION XX. Section 8E of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following 2 paragraphs:-

When establishing criteria for identification cards, the registrar’s regulations shall include a process for a person who is homeless or is an unaccompanied homeless youth to apply for a Massachusetts identification card and to waive any fees associated with obtaining the identification card; provided, however, that the process shall allow for a person who is homeless or is an unaccompanied homeless youth to submit proof of residency by providing documentation that is satisfactory to the registrar and that: (i) is from an entity that provides services in the commonwealth, including, but not limited to, homeless service providers; or (ii) is evidence of services that the person received from a department, division, office or agency of the executive office of health and human services. The registrar and the state secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding under section 42G ½ of chapter 51 to implement this paragraph, as appropriate.

For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

‘Homeless’, shall have the same meaning as in section 103 of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, 42 USC 11302(a), as amended.

‘Unaccompanied homeless youth’, a person who: (i) is 24 years of age or younger; (ii) is not in the physical custody or care of a parent or legal guardian; and (iii) lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.”