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House approves bill to guarantee $100 gate money and state IDs at DOC release
Summary
The House passed House Bill 12‑56 to preserve the $100 release allowance and require government‑issued ID and other release supports for people leaving the Department of Corrections; members debated fiscal effects and program alternatives but adopted clarifying amendments.
House Bill 12‑56, carried to the floor April 27, directs the Department of Corrections to provide people being released from custody with the full $100 release allowance free of deductions and to ensure they leave custody with government‑issued identification and necessary documentation.
"We can't expect people to obtain employment, housing or treatment if we do not give them the bare minimum," Representative Jackson said while presenting the bill, arguing the change reduces immediate barriers to reintegration. Representative Mabry, co‑sponsor, said the measure passed unanimously out of committee and preserves the existing $100 gate amount, which has not been adjusted for inflation since 1972.
Opponents and some questioners pressed fiscal and programmatic concerns. Representative Bridal characterized the change as a "nanny state" measure that shifts responsibility to taxpayers, and Representative Kauti raised concerns about the bill's fiscal note and long‑term costs. Supporters countered that providing identification and intact gate money supports public safety and lowers recidivism risk when paired with reentry programming.
The House adopted a judiciary amendment clarifying the timing and responsibilities for issuing identification documents so that fees cannot be used to block issuance at the moment of release. The bill passed on the floor and will move forward for enrollment and further processing.
What happens next: Sponsors said they hope the law will reduce barriers to housing and work for people released from DOC; implementation details will be worked out by DOC and relevant agencies.
