SB 224: DCR; Offender Reentry; Identification Documents; Departmental Assistance

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 353H-32, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) through (c) to read as follows:

     "(a)  The department, in collaboration with the department of transportation and the examiner of drivers of each county, shall inform inmates that departmental assistance is available to obtain civil identification cards, in accordance with part XVI of chapter 286, and upon request shall assist inmates [who have one year or less prior to the inmate's parole or release date remaining on their prison sentence] in obtaining a civil identification card[.] as soon as practicable but at least one year before the inmate's parole or release date; provided that the department shall assist inmates in obtaining a civil identification card even if the department fails to meet the deadline pursuant to this subsection.

     (b)  The department, in collaboration with appropriate federal, state, and county agencies, shall also inform inmates of the availability of departmental assistance to obtain the inmate's birth certificate, social security card, and any other relevant identification documents necessary for the inmate to transition into the workforce, access social services, secure or verify applicable medicaid eligibility, and secure housing, and upon request shall assist the inmates [who have one year or less prior to the inmate's parole or release date.] in obtaining the identification documents as soon as practicable but at least one year before the inmate's parole or release date; provided that the department shall assist inmates in obtaining the identification documents even if the department fails to meet the deadline pursuant to this subsection.

     (c)  For an inmate released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, the department [of corrections and rehabilitation] shall initiate the process of assisting the inmate pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) [at least ninety days prior to the inmate being released] by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identification documents to the inmate[.] as soon as practicable but at least ninety days before the inmate's release date; provided that the department shall provide the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identification documents even if the department fails to meet the deadline pursuant to this subsection."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DCR; Offender Reentry; Identification Documents; Departmental Assistance

Description:

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to assist inmates with obtaining civil identification cards and other identification documents within a certain time.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 353H-32, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) through (c) to read as follows:

     "(a)  The department, in collaboration with the department of transportation and the examiner of drivers of each county, shall inform inmates that departmental assistance is available to obtain civil identification cards, in accordance with part XVI of chapter 286, and upon request shall assist inmates [who have one year or less prior to the inmate's parole or release date remaining on their prison sentence] in obtaining a civil identification card[.] as soon as practicable but at least one year before the inmate's parole or release date; provided that the department shall assist inmates in obtaining a civil identification card even if the department fails to meet the deadline pursuant to this subsection.

     (b)  The department, in collaboration with appropriate federal, state, and county agencies, shall also inform inmates of the availability of departmental assistance to obtain the inmate's birth certificate, social security card, and any other relevant identification documents necessary for the inmate to transition into the workforce, access social services, secure or verify applicable medicaid eligibility, and secure housing, and upon request shall assist the inmates [who have one year or less prior to the inmate's parole or release date.] in obtaining the identifying documents as soon as practicable but at least one year before the inmate's parole or release date; provided that the department shall assist inmates in obtaining the identifying documents even if the department fails to meet the deadline pursuant to this subsection.

     (c)  For an inmate released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, the department [of corrections and rehabilitation] shall initiate the process of assisting the inmate pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) [at least ninety days prior to the inmate being released] by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents to the inmate[.] as soon as practicable but at least ninety days before the inmate's release date; provided that the department shall provide the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents even if the department fails to meet the deadline pursuant to this subsection."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DCR; Offender Reentry; Identification Documents; Departmental Assistance

Description:

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, to assist inmates in obtaining the inmates' civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable.  Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to initiate the process of obtaining identifying documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents to the inmate as soon as practicable.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to identification.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  Section 353H-32, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) through (c) to read as follows:

     "(a)  The department, in collaboration with the department of transportation and the examiner of drivers of each county, shall inform inmates that departmental assistance is available to obtain civil identification cards, in accordance with part XVI of chapter 286, and upon request shall assist inmates [who have one year or less prior to the inmate's parole or release date remaining on their prison sentence] in obtaining a civil identification card[.] as soon as practicable but at least one year before the inmate's parole or release date.

     (b)  The department, in collaboration with appropriate federal, state, and county agencies, shall also inform inmates of the availability of departmental assistance to obtain the inmate's birth certificate, social security card, and any other relevant identification documents necessary for the inmate to transition into the workforce, access social services, secure or verify applicable medicaid eligibility, and secure housing, and upon request shall assist the inmates [who have one year or less prior to the inmate's parole or release date.] in obtaining the identifying documents as soon as practicable but at least one year before the inmate's parole or release date.

     (c)  For an inmate released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, the department [of corrections and rehabilitation] shall initiate the process of assisting the inmate pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) [at least ninety days prior to the inmate being released] by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents to the inmate[.] as soon as practicable but at least ninety days before the inmate's release date."

     SECTION 2.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Report Title:

DCR; Offender Reentry; Identification Documents; Departmental Assistance

Description:

Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, to assist inmates in obtaining the inmates' civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable.  Requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to initiate the process of obtaining identifying documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents to the inmate as soon as practicable.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1914

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 224

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to:

     (1)  In collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, assist inmates in obtaining their civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable, but no later than one year before the inmate's parole or release date; and

     (2)  Initiate the process of obtaining identification documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identification documents to the inmate as soon as practicable, but no later than ninety days before the inmate's release date.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Office of the Public Offender; Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Community Alliance on Prisons; Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaiʻi; Ohana Unity Party; and four individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1455

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 224

      S.D. 1

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to:

     (1)  In collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, assist inmates in obtaining their civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable, but no later than one year before the inmate's parole or release date; and

     (2)  Initiate the process of obtaining identification documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identification documents to the inmate as soon as practicable, but no later than ninety days before the inmate's release date.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission; Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Office of the Public Defender; Community Alliance on Prisons; Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaiʻi; and six individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

     Your Committee finds that the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has made progress in collaborating with agencies, including the counties and Social Security Administration, and facilitating access to identification documents.  However, there are still significant gaps in informing individuals in custody about available assistance, prioritizing support for those within one year of release, adhering to prescribed timelines, and providing forms in the individual's primary language.  This measure will improve the timeliness in which individuals in custody are informed of and receive departmental assistance in obtaining applicable identification documents.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1202

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 224

      S.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to:

     (1)  In collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, assist inmates in obtaining their civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable, but no later than one year before the inmate's parole or release date; and

     (2)  Initiate the process of obtaining identification documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identification documents to the inmate as soon as practicable, but no later than ninety days before the inmate's release date.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission; American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi; Community Alliance on Prisons; Opportunity for Youth Action Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Friends of Restorative Justice; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services and Waikiki Health.

     Your Committee finds that for inmates to have a successful reentry into society it becomes essential for them to possess upon release certain basic documents.  This measure is just one mechanism to help individuals leaving the correctional system to reintegrate into society as smoothly as possible.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 843

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 224

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 224 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, to assist inmates in obtaining the inmates' civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to initiate the process of obtaining identifying documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents to the inmate as soon as practicable.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, Waikiki Health, ACLU of Hawaiʻi, and two individuals.

     Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

     Your Committees find that individuals transitioning from incarceration often encounter obstacles while trying to obtain necessary identification documents, which has often been cited as a contributing factor to recidivism.  Your Committees further find that increasing collaboration between the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and departments that provide identification documents will aid individuals in accessing necessary resources.  This measure will encourage the positive reintegration of justice-involved individuals by helping them access needed services at the most crucial time, prior to release from incarceration and reentry into the community.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by requiring the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide assistance to inmates in obtaining identification cards and other identifying documents even if the Department fails to meet the timelines established by this measure.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 224, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 224, S.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 33

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 224

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs, to which was referred S.B. No. 224 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO IDENTIFICATION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with various agencies and upon request of the inmates, to assist inmates in obtaining the inmates' civil identification card, birth certificate, social security card, and other relevant identification necessary for successful reentry into society, as soon as practicable; and

     (2)  Require the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to initiate the process of obtaining identifying documents for inmates released to work furlough, extended furlough, or community placement programs, by providing the forms necessary for the inmate to obtain civil identification cards and other identifying documents to the inmate as soon as practicable.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of the County of Kauaʻi, Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission, Community Alliance on Prisons, Hawaii Disability Rights Center, Opportunity For Youth Action Hawaiʻi, Waikiki Health, Roar Cares, and three individuals.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Human Services.

     Your Committee finds that ensuring that individuals receive their identification cards upon release from correctional facilities significantly impacts a formerly incarcerated person's ability to reintegrate into society by providing access to basic necessities like housing, employment, and social services, which are often inaccessible without proper identification.  Without these documents, newly released individuals cannot secure insurance, a phone line, and other services critical to their successful reintegration into society.  This measure will facilitate incarcerated people's access to these important documents which will potentially reduce recidivism rates and promote successful reentry into the community.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 224 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to your Committees on Judiciary and Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs,