S 2251 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness

This bill amends state laws to allow people experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied homeless youth to obtain Massachusetts identification cards without paying fees. To apply, these individuals can use documentation from homeless service providers or health and human services agencies as proof of residency instead of standard documents. The legislation defines "homeless" and "unaccompanied homeless youth" using existing federal standards to determine eligibility. By removing financial and documentation barriers, the bill aims to help this population access essential services that require valid identification.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Jul 2023
Senate Passage
Jul 2023
House Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jul 31, 2023
Floor votes · Senate Jul 27, 2023

How they voted

38–0
Passed
Total votes 38
Jul 27, 2023
D Democratic35
35 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican3
3 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
5
Committee
4
Jul 31, 2023
Committee
Read; and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jul 27, 2023
Upper · Passed
Passed to be engrossed -see Roll Call #58 (Yeas 38 to Nays 0)
upper
Jul 24, 2023
Upper · Passed
Order relative to subject matter adopted
upper
Jul 24, 2023
Upper · Passed
Committee recommended ought to pass
upper
Jul 20, 2023
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Transportation
upper
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors