Task force hears pilot to issue IDs in prison, flags paperwork and fines as release obstacles

Task force members described steps underway to allow incarcerated people to obtain state identification before release and to reduce barriers caused by fines, fees and missing documents.

Sam Adams, speaking for the agencies involved in the reentry preparedness working group, said the first steps are gathering vital documents: "Whether it's Social Security card, birth certificate's the biggest thing. That's the hardest thing, especially if they're born outside of Alabama because that has to be procured from another state." He said a pilot project is operating in one prison where trained corrections staff can issue a driver'license or a non'driver ID when documents are valid.

Stan Robinson, filling in for Commissioner Ham, noted logistical constraints. Sam Adams added that Social Security currently allows agencies to request verification up to 120 days before release, which complicates operations; staff plan to ask Social Security to extend that window to 180 days so birth certificate requests and other document procurement do not fall into the last two weeks before release. The working group also flagged fines and fees as a late'stage barrier and said counties differ in their ability to resolve court costs or child support while someone is incarcerated.

Task force members discussed coordination across agencies to begin checking for fines and outstanding warrants at intake rather than at release, allowing incarcerated people time to address obligations during confinement. Staff also noted training and hardware are nearly ready at driver'license stations and DOC staff have been trained to issue IDs when documents are in order.

The working group will define initial action steps at its next meeting and continue coordinating with data and housing groups to ensure licenses and identification are available on release.