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DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to streamline access to necessary identification documents for vulnerable and low-income Coloradans. SB25-008 passed committee by a vote of 9-4.
“Without identification documents like driver’s licenses and birth certificates, it’s nearly impossible for Coloradans to open a bank account, secure housing or access health care,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill removes barriers to obtaining IDs to help our most vulnerable community members, including low-income earners, unhoused Coloradans, and survivors of domestic violence or natural disasters. This program provides equitable access to legal documents, and this bill streamlines the program to help Coloradans get back on their feet.”
Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program requires Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly to pay the fees to acquire necessary documents like birth certificates and driver’s licenses. SB25-008 would update the program to allow eligible individuals to acquire these documents for free directly at the point of service.
Eligible individuals still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States.
SB25-008 would streamline administrative barriers to the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Administrative challenges tend to delay vouchers. Additionally, vouchers are time-limited to 30 days after they are distributed to the client, which means they are often not able to be utilized before they expire. This bill would break down some of the complicated program structure that makes it more difficult for Coloradans to receive vouchers and expand the number of locations where individuals can obtain necessary documents.