An unidentified sponsor presented H549 to the House Corrections and Institutions Committee on Jan. 8, saying the bill would expand the existing DOC/DMV ID program so people detained for six months — not only those sentenced to six months or more — could obtain a state non-driver ID before release.

"This expands that to folks who have been detained for at least 6 months," the sponsor said, summarizing the bill's central change.

Members asked how the six-month threshold would operate in practice when people have short stays and when current statute explicitly ties the benefit to being sentenced. The committee discussed logistics with DMV: representatives said DOC and DMV previously agreed that the state pays for IDs for sentenced people and that real‑ID federal requirements complicate some substitutions. Committee members cited the $29 fee in discussion and asked how DMV would verify identity for detainees who lack documentation.

Members also debated whether short-term detainees should receive IDs while in custody or whether police or family should provide proof of identity and whether issuing a replacement ID in custody could duplicate existing IDs. One lawmaker described the first week after release as "so fragile" for people trying to access prescriptions, housing and other services, underscoring the committee's interest in easing reentry barriers.

The committee agreed to pursue additional information and scheduled follow-up: staff were directed to brief members on current statute and funding mechanics and to invite DMV or a former DMV commissioner to explain implementation challenges. The transcript records committee consent to continue work but does not include a formal roll-call vote on the bill.