HB 2221: Prisoners; Department of Corrections-issued identification, report.

Official summary

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

Prisoners; Department of Corrections-issued identification; report. Requires that prior to the release or discharge into the community of any prisoner who has been confined for at least 90 days and does not possess a government-issued identification card, birth certificate, or social security card, the Department of Corrections, in conjunction with the Department of Motor Vehicles, the State Registrar of Vital Records, and any other relevant government agency, shall provide such prisoner with a certified copy of his birth certificate, his social security card, or a government-issued identification card, unless such provision of a government-issued identification card is not possible, in which case, the Department of Corrections shall provide the prisoner with a Department of Corrections Offender Identification form. The bill also specifies what identifying information must be included on such form and provides that such form shall be verified by the Department of Corrections and provided to the Department of Motor Vehicles in a secured format and by a means mutually agreed upon by both and shall serve as proof of identity and proof of Virginia residency and may serve as proof of legal presence in the United States or proof of a social security number, if one is available, as required to obtain a government-issued identification card for the 120 days immediately following the release or discharge of the prisoner identified on such form. The bill also requires the Department of Corrections and the Department of Motor Vehicles to cooperatively establish procedures for verifying a Department of Corrections Offender Identification form and all information contained therein and prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from accepting such form if the form or any of the information contained on the form cannot be verified. These provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026. The bill also directs the Department of Corrections, in coordination with the State Board of Local and Regional Jails, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the State Registrar of Vital Records, to (i) identify the number of prisoners released with and without identification cards; (ii) review the processes involved in assisting a prisoner in applying for and obtaining a government-issued identification card, birth certificate, or social security card; (iii) identify any obstacles that may interfere with a prisoner obtaining such identification or documents prior to such prisoner's release or discharge; and (iv) issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than November 1, 2025.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 18 · 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. April 2, 2025Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0656)
2. April 2, 2025Enacted, Chapter 656 (Effective 07/01/26)
3. April 2, 2025Signed by President as reenrolled
4. April 2, 2025Signed by Speaker as reenrolled
5. April 2, 2025Reenrolled bill text (HB2221ER2)
6. April 2, 2025Reenrolled
7. April 2, 2025Governor's recommendation adopted
8. April 2, 2025Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 1-N)
9. April 2, 2025House concurred in Governor's recommendation (95-Y 0-N)
10. March 24, 2025Governor's substitute printed (HB2221H2)
11. March 24, 2025Governor's recommendation received by House
12. March 5, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history