HB 1256: Procedures & Data Individual's Release from Department of Corrections

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act requires the department of corrections (department) to furnish an individual being discharged from the department's custody a release allowance of at least $100, free of any deductions. Beginning by September 15, 2027, and annually thereafter, the department is required to collect and report discharge data, including the number of individuals released from department correctional facilities, the number and percentage of released individuals who received the release allowance, and the total amount of money spent on release allowances. The department must issue a report to the general assembly annually. The act repeals provisions requiring the department to give an individual a ticket to leave prior to discharging the individual from a correctional facility.     The act requires eligible offenders to participate in the department's existing program to procure state-issued identification cards for offenders (program), unless the offender affirmatively opts-out of the program. Beginning by September 15, 2027, and annually thereafter, the department is required to collect data on the process of securing necessary identification documents to issue state identification cards and issue a report to the general assembly. The report must include the number and percentage of offenders released with an identification card, birth certificate, and social security number and the number and percentage of offenders who were ineligible to participate in the program and the reason for ineligibility.     The department is prohibited from charging an offender a fee to obtain a state identification card, and any fee incurred in the process of securing an offender's identification documents to create the state identification card must be assessed after the offender has been released and may be consolidated with existing restitution, fees, or other legal financial obligations owed by the offender.     The department of public health and environment shall assist the department in securing necessary identification documents.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 34 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 3, 2026Governor Signed
2. May 20, 2026Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 20, 2026Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 20, 2026Sent to the Governor
5. May 8, 2026Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. May 7, 2026Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. May 6, 2026Senate Committee on Appropriations Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
8. May 6, 2026Senate Second Reading Special Order - Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
9. May 4, 2026Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Unamended to Appropriations
10. April 29, 2026Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
11. April 28, 2026House Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
12. April 27, 2026House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history