House Bill 173 Summary

• Amends Section 45-35-17 of the Mississippi Code to authorize the Commissioner of Public Safety to create rules and regulations allowing homeless persons to obtain an alternative state identification card.

• Defines "homeless" for purposes of this section as persons who lack a fixed, regular and adequate residence, or live periodically in a public or private shelter or location providing temporary living arrangements.

• Modifies Section 45-35-7 to allow homeless persons to obtain identification cards under alternative procedures established by the Commissioner, rather than standard four or eight-year card options.

• Amends Section 45-35-5 to exempt homeless persons from standard data requirements for identification card issuance, allowing the Commissioner to establish alternative documentation standards.

• Takes effect July 1, 2024.