Lawmakers aim to ease ID access for homeless Ohioans
A bill with bipartisan support proposes reducing barriers for people experiencing homelessness.
Joint sponsor Rep. Jodi Salvo, R-Zoar, told the House Children & Human Services Committee on Tuesday the bill (HB 472 ) would allow those experiencing homelessness to get identification documents, which are essential for many formal processes, such as applying for jobs, enrolling in school, and accessing social services and housing assistance.
"House Bill 472 ensures that the path toward stability — whether through employment, education or housing — begins with access to proper identification," she said.
Fellow sponsor Rep. Christine Cockley, D-Columbus, said official documents are not a luxury, but "a basic necessity for navigating the world and accessing vital services."
The panel raised logistical concerns, with Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, asking about the verification or application process for homeless individuals.
Salvo assured the committee no system would be changed for giving out the documents. It would just reduce the fee associated with the process for those individuals who would have more difficulty with the cost.
"Our social service agencies [have] designated persons that are able to document this," she said. "That would be shelter, a jail entry coordinator, social service agency or school liaison that is able to sign a letter," she said.
Cockley said the sponsors reached out to professionals who work with homeless individuals, and that defining homelessness was an important aspect of the bill. She said verification would still be required.
Rep. Darnell Brewer, D-Cleveland, shared his concern for youth in foster care who may experience homelessness. He suggested implementing a system that allows a trusted adult to sign official paperwork rather than a parent or guardian.
"I know some states have used what is called…'a trusted adult' that can actually sign for just basic things like driver's license, bank account or anything like that the child should access," he said.
Cockley said they worked with professionals to define homelessness for minors and are currently drafting an amendment to eliminate the requirement a parent or guardian sign for minors to obtain legal identification.
"When we crafted the definition of homelessness with the professionals doing the work, we had a lot of providers who…actually say this is going to be so beneficial because [they] have so many clients come in where there's a gap and can't help them get that ID."
Chair Rep. Andrea White, R-Kettering, further suggested the inclusion of marriage licenses in the bill for women who changed their names and need one to acquire other legal documents. Cockley agreed and said they may include that and death certificates in the bill as well.
White also proposed adding procedures for homeless shelters and other advocates to store and copy documents due to the potential tumultuous transitions for many homeless individuals, specifically minors who may not feel safe with parents or guardians.