Bill Text: VA HB1467 | 2020 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: Prisoners; obtaining certain identification documentation upon release.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 8-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-31 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0523) [HB1467 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HB1467-Chaptered.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §53.1-116.1:02 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 53.1 a section numbered 53.1-31.4 as follows:
§53.1-31.4. Department of Corrections-issued identification.
Prior to the release or discharge of any prisoner who has been confined for at least 90 days and does not possess a government-issued identification card, birth certificate, and Social Security card, the Department shall provide the assistance necessary for such prisoner to apply for and obtain such identification and documents prior to his release or discharge, provided that the Department has or can readily obtain all records and information necessary for their issuance. If the prisoner is unable to obtain a government-issued identification card prior to his release or discharge, the Department shall provide the prisoner with a Department of Corrections Offender Identification form. If the Department receives a government-issued identification card, birth certificate, or Social Security card for a prisoner after his release or discharge, the Department shall forward such identification or document to the prisoner. Unless the prisoner is determined to be indigent pursuant to §19.2-159, all costs and fees associated with applying for and obtaining any identification or documents pursuant to this section shall be paid by the prisoner.
§53.1-116.1:02. Jailer-issued identification.
Prior to the release or discharge of any prisoner, if the
prisoner who has been confined for at least 90 days and does not
already possess a government-issued identification card, birth
certificate, and Social Security card, the sheriff, jail superintendent, or
other jail administrator may issue that shall provide the assistance
necessary for such prisoner a special identification card to be given to
the prisoner upon to apply for and obtain such identification and
documents prior to his release or discharge, provided that the sheriff,
superintendent, or administrator has or can readily obtain all records and
information necessary for their issuance and the prisoner has not declined an
offer by the sheriff, superintendent, or administrator to provide such
assistance. If the sheriff, jail superintendent, or other jail administrator
receives a government-issued identification card, birth certificate, or Social
Security card for a prisoner after his release or discharge, the sheriff,
superintendent, or administrator shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that
the prisoner obtains possession of such identification or document. The sheriff,
jail superintendent, or other jail administrator may establish a procedure for
securing such identification through the Department of Motor Vehicles. All
Unless the prisoner has funds in his account to cover all or part of the
costs and fees associated with applying for and obtaining such
special identification card any identification or documents pursuant to
this section, such costs shall be paid by the prisoner jail.