Amendment #39 to H4790

An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness

Ms. Khan of Newton moves to amend the bill by adding the following section:

“SECTION XXXX. [Section 8E of Chapter 90 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2020 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.]".