Tillis introduces bipartisan bill requiring ID cards for exiting federal prisoners

In an effort to reduce recidivism, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) recently signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would require the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to issue identification documents to prisoners being released from federal custody.

The BOP Release Card ID Act of 2024, S. 3993, which U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) sponsored on March 20, would provide a valid form of ID for people leaving prison who need to secure a job, obtain housing, and rejoin communities, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ staff.

“A valid form of ID is a critical first step for those looking for a fresh start and is necessary to become a productive member of society,” Sen. Tillis said. “This legislation requires the Federal Bureau of Prisons to issue a photo identification card to all incarcerated individuals, making the transition back to society easier and paving the way for a better future.”

Specifically, S. 3993 would require the BOP to issue a photo ID to all incarcerated individuals, except non-citizens, upon exiting the BOP facility; direct the BOP to create a system where BOP issued cards can be exchanged for state identification card; require federal agencies to accept release cards as proof of identification; and require that the ID be accepted as a valid form of identification for social safety net programs, like food stamps, Social Security, and Medicare, among others.

The bill has been endorsed by the American Conservative Union and has been referred to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration. 

Companion legislation has been introduced by U.S. Reps. David Trone (D-MD) and Barry Moore (R-AL) in the U.S. House, according to Sen. Tillis’ staff.