CS/HB 7121 - Inmate Reentry

• Department of Corrections shall provide Florida-born inmates with a certified birth certificate and state identification card at no charge before release upon sentence expiration, with specified exceptions including inmates with valid identification, active detainers, emergency/medical releases, or those not in custody within 180 days of release.

• Department shall waive all fees for identification cards issued to inmates and for birth certificate copies obtained for identification purposes.

• Department must assist inmates in obtaining social security cards and shall submit inmate photos and biographical information to the Department of Health to facilitate birth certificate acquisition; inmates born outside Florida receive assistance completing necessary forms for out-of-state identification.

• Department shall provide inmates with locations and addresses of licensing authorities near their release address to obtain valid identification in proximity to where they will reside.

• Department must submit an annual report identifying the number of inmates released with and without identification cards, documenting implementation impediments, and recommending improvements for obtaining release documents.

• Department is authorized to operate male and female faith- and character-based correctional institutions with peer-to-peer programming.

• Effective date: July 1, 2013.