HB 368: Identification Documents for Former Offenders

This bill passed both chambers of the legislature unanimously. Review our tracker for more information.

Valid identification documents are generally a prerequisite for legal employment, opening a bank account, or renting an apartment. However, when an offender is incarcerated, especially for an extended period of time, there is no guarantee that he will have copies of these vital documents upon release. Without them, it becomes that much harder to successfully transition back into civil society.

HB 368, sponsored by Representative Karianne Lisonbee, addresses this problem. It requires the Department of Corrections to help inmates obtain copies of their birth certificate, social security card, and either a driver license or identification card before they are released.

Utah currently requires the Department of Corrections to help offenders obtain a temporary identification card. However, this bill goes further to help people prepare for reentry. In doing so, Utah has joined the ranks of at least eighteen other states that have enacted measures to provide inmates with documents upon release.

This bill has no fiscal note and is proof that reform can be meaningful, practical, and inexpensive. Libertas is proud to support this bill.