FRANKFORT, Ky. — A bipartisan-supported bill which would make it easier for adults and youth who are homeless to get an ID or driver’s license is moving forward.
House Bill 21 quickly passed in committee Tuesday. The bill was introduced by Rep. Randy Bridges (R-Paducah) in January, and has both Democrat and Republican co-sponsors.
HB 21 would adjust the requirements needed to get a state identification card.
For adults staying in a homeless shelter, they’d be able to use that location as their address.
Rep. Bridges says currently, when someone loses their home, their driver’s license is no longer valid.
“What this (bill) does is allow them to keep their driver’s license, so that they can keep their job, so that hopefully they won’t be in homelessness long,” Rep. Bridges said.
The bill also would help young people.
“These reforms would allow for 16- and 17-year-olds who are unaccompanied, who are experiencing homelessness, to obtain a state-issued ID,” Adrienne Bush, executive director of the Homeless and Housing Coalition of Kentucky said.
Bush sat alongside Rep. Bridges as the bill passed committee. Bush did not get the chance to speak on the bill as a motion for its passage was quickly made.
“My organization provides permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. Lot of the people who come in for services, the first time, are missing an ID so that is a key part of the process of getting them reintegrated,” Bush said.
Bush highlighted the importance of passing this reform.
“An ID is really a key to opening up a lot of pathways to participating in community and in life with others, including applying for housing, applying for jobs, renewing jobs, applying for school, all sorts of things,” Bush said.
HB 21 now heads to the House floor for a vote. Rep. Bridges says he’s spoken with a few senators about his bill and is hopeful to get it passed this session.
If signed into law, the bill would also lower the cost of an ID or driver’s license to $5 for people experiencing homelessness.q