WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE

2025 REGULAR SESSION

Introduced

House Bill 3330

By Delegates Flanigan and Kump

[Introduced March 12, 2025; referred to the Committee on Government Organization]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §17B-2C-1d, relating to identification cards;  providing a purpose, short title, and legislative findings; providing a waiver of fees;  creating an application process; clarifying document requirements; creating mobile identification services; requiring the Division of Motor Vehicle to develop a program for fingerprint identification; requiring the Division of Motor Vehicle to provide outreach and education and to do so within a certain period of time; providing an effective date; and authorizing rule making.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 2C. access to identification Act.

§17B-2C-1d.  Improving access to government identification.

(a) Purpose: To establish a simplified and more accessible process for obtaining government-issued identification cards in West Virginia, ensuring that all residents, regardless of income or background, have equitable access to necessary identification.

(b) Short title: This article may be cited as the "West Virginia Access to Identification Act."

(c) Legislative findings: The Legislature finds that:

(1) A government-issued identification is necessary for accessing essential services, voting, healthcare, and employment;

(2) Many West Virginians, especially those from low-income, rural, or marginalized communities, face significant barriers in obtaining government-issued identification due to cost, lack of required documentation, and transportation issues; and

(3) It is the goal of this article to reduce these barriers and ensure that every West Virginian has the opportunity to obtain a valid form of identification.

(d) Expansion of identification access:

(1) Waiver of fees:

(A) The state shall provide a waiver for the application fees for government identification cards for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship.

(B) A streamlined application process shall be created for individuals receiving public assistance, including but not limited to, SNAP, Medicaid, and other state-provided benefits.

(C) No fee shall be required for the first issuance of an ID for individuals under 18 years of age.

(2) Simplified Documentation Requirements:

(A) Applicants for government identification shall not be required to submit multiple forms of documentation proving identity, residency, or citizenship.

(B) The state shall accept secondary forms of identification, such as utility bills, school records, or other documents that prove identity and residency.

(C) A grace period of 30 days shall be provided for individuals to gather additional documentation needed for identification issuance.

(e) Mobile Identification Services:

(1) The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) shall implement mobile services capable of issuing government identification at locations throughout the state, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

(2) Mobile ID units will visit community centers, senior living centers, and other public spaces on a regular schedule.

(3) The state shall collaborate with local governments and nonprofit organizations to ensure widespread outreach and availability of mobile ID services.

(f) Fingerprint identification.

The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) shall develop a fingerprint program for identification purposes and shall make and publish such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this article, as it finds necessary or appropriate to the efficient administration of the functions with which it is charged under this article.

(g) Outreach and Education.

(1) The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) shall launch a public awareness campaign to educate West Virginians about the process of obtaining identification cards, including information on eligibility for fee waivers and available mobile services.

(2) Community organizations, schools, and public libraries shall be included in outreach efforts to provide information and assistance in navigating the ID application process.

(h) Implementation.

(1) The Division of Motor Vehicles shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of this Act within 12 months of its passage.

(2) The Department of Health and Human Resources shall assist in facilitating outreach to individuals receiving public assistance.

(i) Effective Date: This article shall take effect upon passage, and all regulations and processes outlined within it shall be fully implemented within one year from the effective date.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to improve access to government identification for the homeless and elderly.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.