Bill
S 2399
The bill allows homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth in Massachusetts to obtain a state ID with waived fees and alternative proof of residency, easing access to se
Short description
- Amends Section 8E of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws to create a process that enables people who are homeless and unaccompanied homeless youth to apply for a Massachusetts identification card with waived fees and alternative proof-of-residency options.
Purpose and intent
- Reduce a major barrier (lack of acceptable proof-of-residency and cost of ID) that prevents people experiencing homelessness — including unaccompanied youth — from obtaining state identification. The bill aims to improve access to services, employment, housing, and benefits that require government-issued ID.
Key provisions
- Fee waiver: Regulations must include a process to waive any fees associated with obtaining a Massachusetts identification card for a person who is homeless or an unaccompanied homeless youth.
- Alternative proof of residency: The process must allow applicants who are homeless or unaccompanied homeless youth to satisfy residency requirements by providing documentation acceptable to the registrar that is either:
1. From an entity that provides housing or youth services in the Commonwealth (including homeless service providers); or
2. Evidence that the person received services from an agency of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services or the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
- Interagency implementation: The registrar of motor vehicles and the Secretary of the Commonwealth must enter into a memorandum of understanding under section 42G 1/2 of chapter 51 to implement the new process as appropriate.
- Definitions:
- “Homeless” adopts the meaning in 42 U.S.C. §11302(a) (the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act).
- “Unaccompanied homeless youth” is defined as a person 24 years of age or younger who is not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian and lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Who would be affected
- Directly: Individuals experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts and unaccompanied homeless youth (≤24 years old).
- Indirectly: Homeless service providers, youth service providers, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (registrar), the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (for verification and MOU coordination).
Implementation and impact
- Administrative: The RMV (registrar) must adopt regulatory criteria and enter into an MOU with the Secretary to operationalize the documentation and fee-waiver process.
- Practical impact: Expected to increase issuance of state ID cards to people experiencing homelessness, thereby facilitating access to employment, housing applications, benefits, medical care, voting (where ID is required), and other services requiring identification.
- Fiscal: The bill mandates waiving fees but does not specify dollar amounts or an offset funding source; agencies would absorb administrative costs unless future appropriation or guidance specifies otherwise.
Legislative status & recent actions (selected)
- Introduced: Presented in the Massachusetts Senate by Sen. Robyn K. Kennedy (filed 1/16/2025; introduced 7/23/2025 in some records).
- Committee referrals: Referred to the Senate Committee on Transportation; later reported favorably and referred to Senate Ways and Means.
- Amendments / Printing: Amended and recommitted to Transportation; printed as S.2399A (11/14/2025).
- Hearings: Public hearing(s) scheduled (e.g., 11/04/2025).
- Sponsors / cosponsors: Presented by Robyn K. Kennedy; multiple cosponsors are listed in the bill record (see official docket for full list).
Related legislation
- Companion/related items listed in the docket: HR 4665 (companion), SD 1712 (replacement), A 3485 (companion); prior-session bills S 6821 and S 2145.
For more detail
- Refer to the full bill text (S.2399 / S.2399A) and the RMV/Secretary regulatory provisions once published; legislative docket entries document committee reports, amendments, and hearing materials.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
