Nevada bill would let DHHS issue ID cards to residents experiencing homelessness

Assemblymember Linda Hunt introduced Assembly Bill 220 on the floor of the Health and Human Services Committee, saying the bill would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to create a program to issue identification cards to Nevada residents who are experiencing homelessness and do not hold a valid driver’s license or state ID.

Hunt said the cards would be issued at locations where people already seek DHHS services so they do not have to travel to DMV offices, which she called a barrier to accessing employment, housing and other services. “By allowing the department to issue IDs where many experiencing homelessness are already seeking assistance, we can remove a major obstacle and ensure access to essential services such as employment opportunity, housing programs that requires a valid ID,” Hunt said during her presentation.

Supporters told the committee that lack of photo identification is a practical barrier to benefits, housing and medical care. Amy Heinz Sutherland of the Nevada Association of Counties said a DHHS pathway “will enable individuals to access essential services, secure housing and employment and interact with local service agencies more efficiently.” Joanna Jacob, speaking for Clark County, said the one‑stop approach would help county shelter and navigation center staff enroll clients in wraparound services.

Officials from DHHS and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) described how the program would interact with existing processes. Richard Whitley, director of DHHS, said the department already verifies identity and eligibility for programs such as Medicaid and SNAP and that issuing a photo ID in eligibility offices could remove the transportation barrier to obtaining DMV services. “From our perspective, having the ability to issue the photo ID in a one‑stop process, we’re not opening it up to another population that gets ID for free. We’re just making the access more available where people are being seen in our eligibility offices,” Whitley said.

Sean Severs of the DMV described the department’s position as neutral and said DMV currently assists people who come to its offices without appointments. Severs said the DMV views a DHHS‑issued card as a temporary ID until the holder can obtain a full DMV credential, and that federal requirements for REAL ID issuance would still apply at the DMV. “We kind of look at it this as a temporary ID until you get over to the DMV to get your driver's license or permanent identification,” Severs said.

Committee members asked several operational and integrity questions. Assemblymember Hedgeworth asked whether the program would rely on self‑reported names; Whitley said eligibility checks for programs such as SNAP and TANF require documentation and verification, and that the DHHS process is “much more rigorous than just self reported.” Assemblymember Gray asked whether the DHHS card would be accepted by law enforcement and other agencies; Severs said DMV standards for REAL ID would still apply for federal purposes and that the DHHS card would not replace DMV requirements for a REAL ID.

The bill text would prohibit DHHS from charging issuance, renewal or replacement fees and would allow DHHS to accept gifts, grants and donations to fund the program. Section 8 of the bill requires DHHS to adopt regulations specifying information and design; Hunt said the bill directs DHHS to make the card resemble DMV cards but to use distinguishing colors or features to indicate its purpose.

A broad coalition of local governments, legal services and advocacy groups testified in support. Witnesses included the ACLU of Nevada, the Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers, the Fines and Fees Justice Center, the Nevada Homeless Alliance and public defender offices in Clark and Washoe counties. Several people with lived experience described practical consequences of losing an ID: Brian Begay said losing his ID prevented him from getting jobs, EBT or timely medical services, and earlier outreach programs reported helping hundreds of people obtain birth certificates and IDs.

Neutral testimony came from state agencies that said they would work with the sponsor. The Division of Welfare Support and Supportive Services and the DHHS eligibility staff said they would coordinate implementation; the Bureau of Health Care Quality and Compliance (part of the Division of Public and Behavioral Health) filed a small fiscal note because the agency currently issues a handful of permits that could be affected if the new program changes who must obtain state permits.

Committee members did not take a final vote in the hearing recorded in the transcript. The bill sponsor asked the committee for support at the hearing’s close.

Why this matters: Photo identification is frequently required to enroll in public benefits, access housing and complete job applications. Proponents told the committee that the principal barrier is travel to DMV offices and lack of funds. Opponents did not appear at the hearing; DMV and DHHS officials described coordination and federal limits but did not oppose the concept.

Looking ahead: If the committee advances the bill, subsequent steps will likely include drafting regulatory language with DHHS and DMV for how the DHHS card is designed and how records will be checked against state repositories for disqualifying information.