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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 15, 2023 10:15 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Danilo Burgos and Rep. Liz Hanbidge, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Providing Free Identification Cards to State Residents |
| Having a valid proof of identity is essential to many parts of our lives. Among other things, it allows us to secure housing, employment, and government services. An individual in Pennsylvania who does not drive, and therefore does not have a driver’s license, may use a state identification card as a secure identification credential. Unfortunately, fees associated with applying for an initial, renewal, or duplicate state identification card create barriers for Pennsylvanians, especially low income individuals. This makes it harder for people to live, work, commute, and contribute to our state. To ensure the right to secure identification, our legislation will remove fees charged for initial issuance of an identification card for Pennsylvania residents 18 years of age and older. In addition, any individual whose household income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level would be exempt from fees for an initial, renewal, or duplicate state identification card. States such as North Dakota already provide free state identification cards to individuals over the age of 18. We need to do our part to make sure every adult in Pennsylvania has access to proof of identity. This simple change will benefit people throughout our state, especially low income individuals. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB772