This bill would require federal prisons to give people a government photo ID when they leave custody, if they are U.S. citizens. The card must meet REAL ID standards and be valid for at least 18 months. The Bureau of Prisons must also work with every state so people can use this card to get a state-issued ID. Federal agencies and programs must accept the card as proof of identity for services like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF-funded programs, federal probation services, education, housing, veterans’ services, and to enter federal buildings. The Attorney General would issue guidance to help states set up similar release IDs for people leaving state prisons.

Key points

• Who is affected: People leaving federal prison who are U.S. citizens; state prison systems and people leaving state prisons (through federal guidance) .
• What changes: A release photo ID is provided; it can be used to get a state ID and must be accepted by major federal programs and for entering federal buildings; the card lasts at least 18 months .
• When: The program must start within 180 days after it becomes law; states are to receive guidance within one year .