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Bill

HD 2019

An Act ensuring access to state IDs for low-income people

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Vanna Howard and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill eliminates state ID card fees for low-income residents to remove financial barriers to voting, employment, and civic participation.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 2019

Legislative bill overview

HD 2019 would eliminate or reduce fees associated with obtaining state identification cards for low-income residents of Massachusetts. The bill aims to remove financial barriers that prevent economically disadvantaged individuals from obtaining valid IDs, which are increasingly required for voting, employment, housing, and other essential services.

Why is this important

State IDs are foundational documents in modern life, yet fees can cost $25-75, creating hardship for low-income populations. Removing these barriers directly impacts voting access, employment prospects, and participation in civic life, while potentially reducing disparities in ID acquisition across income groups.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Questions about whether the state budget should absorb revenue lost from ID fees, and how much the program would cost to implement
  • Definition of "low-income": Debate over income thresholds and eligibility criteria—how strict should requirements be to prevent misuse
  • Administrative implementation: Concerns about processing capacity at the Registry of Motor Vehicles and whether existing staff can handle increased volume without service degradation
  • Fraud prevention: Concerns that eliminating fees might create security vulnerabilities or increase fraudulent ID applications without proper verification mechanisms

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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