New Pathways Act

This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to help federal prisoners obtain essential identification documents before release. It directly affects U.S. citizen prisoners (who need social security cards and proof of citizenship) and certain noncitizen prisoners (who need proof of lawful status and work authorization). The Bureau must provide photo ID cards meeting REAL ID standards, assist in obtaining missing documents (like birth certificates or passports for citizens, or immigration forms for noncitizens), and offer written explanations if documents cannot be secured. For direct-release prisoners, it also mandates probation officers to help develop release plans prior to release.