Bill would waive fees and aid homeless in Massachusetts

A proposed bill in Massachusetts would provide some fee and document relief for the state’s homeless population.

Rep. Kay Khan has introduced bill H.3066 and is working with Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless to ease access to Massachusetts IDs for people experiencing homelessness.

According to the amendment, the registrar’s regulations would include a process for a person who is homeless or is an unaccompanied homeless youth (a person 24 years of age or younger who is not in the physical custody or care of a parent or legal guardian) to apply for a Massachusetts identification card and to waive any fees associated with obtaining the identification card.

The amendment would also allow homeless in Massachusetts to use documentation to prove state residency through organizations such as homeless shelters and health/human services.

$200,000 would be used to provide state IDs for homeless youth and individuals and the funds would be made available until June 30, 2020.

Khan states that to open accounts, enter government buildings, pick up a package, or apply for a job, an ID is needed.