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House approves temporary ID for people leaving incarceration to aid re‑entry
Summary
The House passed HB320 to authorize temporary identification (up to 180 days) for people released from incarceration who lack state ID, citing re‑entry barriers to employment and services; the bill passed 65‑0 and will go to the Senate.
The Utah House unanimously passed legislation on Feb. 28 to provide temporary state identification to people leaving incarceration, a measure sponsors said will reduce barriers to employment, housing and benefits and lower recidivism.
Representative Hutchings, sponsor of HB320, said many people released from jails or prisons have no photo ID or the documents required for a real‑ID‑compliant state ID, and that delay can prevent them from getting a job or housing. The bill authorizes a temporary, plain‑paper ID with a photo, valid for up to 180 days, to give recipients time to obtain permanent documentation.
"It's just printed on paper, black and white with their photo on it and allows them the opportunity to be able to have some time to go collect those documents to get their formal permanent state identification," Hutchings said on the floor.
The sponsor said language was coordinated with the Division of Motor Vehicles and that the temporary credential includes safeguards to limit misuse; lawmakers discussed how the provision would treat various applicant documentation situations, and the sponsor acknowledged tension with federal Real ID requirements while noting the bill was drafted to be compatible.
HB320 passed the House 65 yes, 0 no and will be sent to the Senate.
