NY State Senate Bill 2025-S7032

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

Introduced
- In Committee Assembly
- In Committee Senate
- On Floor Calendar Assembly
- On Floor Calendar Senate
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
Delivered to Governor
Signed By Governor

Please enter your contact information

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

A valid email address is required.

Home address is used to determine the senate district in which you reside. Your support or opposition to this bill is then shared immediately with the senator who represents you.

Optional services from the NY State Senate:

Create an account. An account allows you to officially support or oppose key legislation, sign petitions with a single click, and follow issues, committees, and bills that matter to you. When you create an account, you agree to this platform's terms of participation.

Include a custom message for your Senator? (Optional)

Enter a message to your senator. Many New Yorkers use this to share the reasoning behind their support or opposition to the bill. Others might share a personal anecdote about how the bill would affect them or people they care about.

Actions

View Actions

	Assembly Actions - Lowercase Senate Actions - UPPERCASE
Mar 28, 2025	referred to transportation

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Details

Current Committee:: Senate Transportation
Law Section:: Vehicle and Traffic Law
Laws Affected:: Amd §490, V & T L

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Summary

Provides qualified homeless individuals non-driver state identification cards if there is proof provided that such individual is in fact homeless.

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S7032

SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing
qualified homeless individuals non-driver state identification cards

 
PURPOSE:

To provide free non-driver state identification cards to those who qual-
ify as homeless.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Amends Section 490 Subdivision 3 paragraph (a)subparagraph
(iii) to extend fee waivers to individuals who can verify their homeless
status. It adds that homeless individuals will be able to verify their
status through documentation from recognized homeless service providers,
attorneys, social workers, government agencies, and law enforcement
liaisons. Additionally, it adopts definitions from the federal McKin-
ney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to ensure consistency in identifying

individuals and service providers.

Section 2: Provides the effective date as the ninetieth day after it
shall have become a law.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

This bill seeks to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to allow homeless
individuals to obtain non-driver state identification cards free of
charge. By expanding access to identification, this legislation aims to
remove a significant barrier that prevents homeless individuals from
accessing essential services, securing employment, and fully participat-
ing in society.

Identification is a fundamental necessity for individuals seeking to
improve their circumstances. Without a government-issued ID, homeless
individuals often struggle to obtain housing, medical care, employment,
and social services. Currently, many applicants for identification cards
must provide a stable address or pay a fee, both of which pose signif-
icant obstacles for those experiencing homelessness. This bill ensures
that homeless individuals have equitable access to official identifica-
tion, empowering them to navigate daily life more effectively.

On January 12, 2015, New York City launched IDNYC, a government-issued
identification program designed to provide all city residents, regard-
less of immigration status, with official identification. Since its
inception, IDNYC has facilitated reentry into society by enabling indi-
viduals to access essential services. The card allows holders to apply
for a public library card, use job search resources, and avoid arrest by
serving as an acceptable form of identification for summonses and desk
appearances. It also grants access to the High School Equivalency exam,
select banks and credit unions, public museums, and discounts on enter-
tainment, sporting events, and retail purchases.

Official identification is a crucial tool for personal and economic
stability, granting access to services that might otherwise be denied
due to a lack of proper documentation. For residents without permanent
housing or survivors of domestic abuse, proof of residency can be estab-
lished through a letter from a city agency, nonprofit organization,
religious institution, hospital, or health clinic.  Additionally, the
financial burden of replacing legal documents such as state-issued iden-
tification cards, passports, and birth certificates is a significant
challenge for individuals with limited resources. Beyond its practical
benefits, IDNYC has provided many cardholders with a sense of belonging,
with focus group participants describing it as something that makes them
feel like a "real" New Yorker.

Given the success of IDNYC, it is time to extend similar benefits to
individuals outside of New York City. This bill seeks to provide home-
less individuals across New York State with the same opportunities,
ensuring that everyone, regardless of housing status, has the identifi-
cation needed to build a stable and secure future.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill

 
FISCAL IMPACT:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

                             
                     S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
                                   7032
 
                        2025-2026 Regular Sessions
 
                             I N  S E N A T E
 
                              March 28, 2025
                                ___________
 
 Introduced by Sen. SEPULVEDA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
   printed to be committed to the Committee on Transportation
 
 AN  ACT  to  amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to providing
   qualified homeless individuals non-driver state identification cards
 
   THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
 BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
 
   Section  1.  Subparagraph  (iii)  of paragraph (a) of subdivision 3 of
 section 490 of the vehicle and traffic law, as amended by section  2  of
 part V of chapter 56 of the laws of 2020, is amended to read as follows:
   (iii) Notwithstanding any other law, rule or regulation to the contra-
 ry,  a  person  who  is either (A) sixty-two years of age or older and a
 recipient of supplemental security income benefits [or], (B) a recipient
 of public assistance, as defined in subdivision nineteen of section  two
 of  the  social  services law, supplemental nutrition assistance program
 benefits, pursuant to section ninety-five of the social services law, or
 medical assistance, as defined in paragraph (a) of  subdivision  thirty-
 eight  of  section  two of the social services law, and who has not been
 issued a driver's license, or whose driver's license is expired, or  who
 surrendered  [his  or her] SUCH RECIPIENT'S driver's license, OR (C) ANY
 PERSON WHO CAN VERIFY THEIR STATUS AS  A  HOMELESS  PERSON  OR  HOMELESS
 CHILD  OR  YOUTH,  shall  be  issued  an identification card without the
 payment of any fee, upon submitting  the  appropriate  application.  For
 persons  applying  for  an identification card pursuant to clause (B) of
 this subparagraph, such application shall include proof that such person
 is in receipt of public assistance,  supplemental  nutrition  assistance
 program  benefits,  or  medical  assistance,  as  the case may be.   FOR
 PERSONS APPLYING FOR AN IDENTIFICATION CARD PURSUANT TO  CLAUSE  (C)  OF
 THIS SUBPARAGRAPH, SUCH APPLICATION SHALL INCLUDE PROOF THAT SUCH PERSON
 IS  HOMELESS.  SUCH  PROOF  SHALL  INCLUDE  VERIFICATION FROM A HOMELESS
 SERVICE PROVIDER THAT HAS KNOWLEDGE OF THE PERSON'S HOUSING STATUS.  FOR
 
  EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                       [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                            LBD11161-01-5
 S. 7032                             2

 
 PURPOSES  OF  THIS  SUBPARAGRAPH,  THE  FOLLOWING  TERMS  SHALL HAVE THE
 FOLLOWING MEANINGS:
   (1) "HOMELESS CHILD OR YOUTH" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS THE DEFI-
 NITION  OF  "HOMELESS  CHILDREN  AND  YOUTHS"  AS DEFINED IN THE FEDERAL
 MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT (42 USC, 11301 ET SEQ.);
   (2) "HOMELESS PERSON" SHALL HAVE THE SAME MEANING AS SET FORTH IN  THE
 FEDERAL  MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT (42 USC 11301, ET SEQ.);
 AND
   (3) "HOMELESS SERVICES PROVIDER" SHALL INCLUDE:
   (A) A GOVERNMENTAL OR NONPROFIT AGENCY RECEIVING FEDERAL, STATE, COUN-
 TY OR MUNICIPAL FUNDING TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO A  "HOMELESS  PERSON"  OR
 "HOMELESS  CHILD  OR  YOUTH", OR THAT IS OTHERWISE SANCTIONED TO PROVIDE
 SUCH SERVICES BY A LOCAL HOMELESS CONTINUUM OF CARE ORGANIZATION;
   (B) AN ATTORNEY LICENSED TO PRACTICE LAW IN THIS STATE;
   (C) A LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY LIAISON FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
 AS DESIGNATED PURSUANT TO 42 USC 11432 (G)(1)(J)(II), OR A SCHOOL SOCIAL
 WORKER;
   (D) A HUMAN SERVICES PROVIDER OR PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES PROVIDER FUND-
 ED BY THE STATE OF NEW  YORK  TO  PROVIDE  HOMELESS  CHILDREN  OR  YOUTH
 SERVICES,   HEALTH  SERVICES,  MENTAL  OR  BEHAVIORAL  HEALTH  SERVICES,
 SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SERVICES,  OR  PUBLIC  ASSISTANCE  OR  EMPLOYMENT
 SERVICES;
   (E)  A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DESIGNATED AS A LIAISON TO THE HOMELESS
 POPULATION BY A LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT OR SHERIFF'S  DEPARTMENT  WITHIN
 THE STATE; OR
   (F)  ANY  OTHER HOMELESS SERVICES PROVIDER THAT IS QUALIFIED TO VERIFY
 AN INDIVIDUAL'S HOUSING STATUS, AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
   § 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day  after  it  shall
 have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or
 repeal  of  any  rule  or regulation necessary for the implementation of
 this act on its effective date are authorized to be made  and  completed
 on or before such date.

Comments

Open Legislation is a forum for New York State legislation. All comments are subject to review and community moderation is encouraged.

Comments deemed off-topic, commercial, campaign-related, self-promotional; or that contain profanity, hate or toxic speech; or that link to sites outside of the nysenate.gov domain are not permitted, and will not be published. Attempts to intimidate and silence contributors or deliberately deceive the public, including excessive or extraneous posting/posts, or coordinated activity, are prohibited and may result in the temporary or permanent banning of the user. Comment moderation is generally performed Monday through Friday. By contributing or voting you agree to the Terms of Participation and verify you are over 13.

Create an account. An account allows you to sign petitions with a single click, officially support or oppose key legislation, and follow issues, committees, and bills that matter to you. When you create an account, you agree to this platform's terms of participation.

Senate Bill S7032

Sponsored By

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments

Senate Bill S7032

Share this bill

Sponsored By

Luis R. Sepúlveda

Current Bill Status - In Senate Committee Transportation Committee

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Details

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Summary

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Sponsor Memo

2025-S7032 (ACTIVE) - Bill Text download pdf

Comments