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Committee tables feasibility study for New Britain municipal ID after members request more information
Summary
The committee agreed April 1 to table a proposed feasibility study to explore a New Britain municipal identification card program, with members urging more information on costs, operations and examples from Hartford and New Haven before advancing to the full council; the tabling motion passed 4–3.
The Committee on Administrative Finance and Law and Public Services moved April 1 to table consideration of a resolution that would authorize a feasibility study for a New Britain municipal identification card program.
A motion to refer the item to the council with a favorable recommendation was made and discussion followed. Proponents said a municipal ID could provide proof of identity and residency for people who lack state-issued documents and could facilitate access to city services, health care and interactions with law enforcement. Committee members repeatedly asked about anticipated costs, ongoing staffing and marketing needs, whether nonprofits could administer or subsidize cards, and which populations would be targeted.
One committee member noted Hartford had provided materials and that the committee could invite Hartford or New Haven representatives to explain program operations. Corporate counsel and members discussed whether the committee itself could perform the feasibility work and the resolution as drafted would give the committee up to 12 months to complete a study and return findings.
A motion to table the study, made by Alderwoman Luna and seconded by Alderman Gibson, was put to a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded four yes votes (Centenno; McNamera; Delernia; Gibson) and three no votes (Maldonado; Luna; Santiago); the motion carried. The item remains on the committee agenda for further work; members said they intend to seek more detail from Hartford, New Haven and local service providers during upcoming meetings.
The committee adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
