Senate Bill S10022

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S10022

SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to proof of
identity for the issuance of a non-driver identification card

 
PURPOSE:

To ensure survivors of human trafficking can obtain a state-issued non-
driver ID by recognizing the Office of Temporary and Disability Assist-
ance (OTDA) confirmation letter as valid proof of identity as a point
within New York state's department of motor vehicle's (DMV) 7-point ID
system.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Adds new subparagraph iv to section 490 of the vehicle and
traffic law to provide that a confirmation of trafficking victim status
issued by the office of temporary and disability assistance pursuant to
section 483-bb of the social services law shall be accepted as a form of
              

sufficient evidence of identity for issuance of a non-driver identifica-
tion card.

Section 2. Is the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

In 2024, New York ranked fourth in the nation for human trafficking,
with Suffolk County accounting for the top 20 percent of the state's
cases due to its population of 1.5 million. Survivors of trafficking
often face multiple barriers in obtaining identification, including lack
of documents, financial constraints, and residency requirements.  These
challenges are often a direct result of their trafficking experience,
where documents may be withheld, destroyed, or controlled by their abus-
ers. Without a state-issued ID, survivors cannot rehabilitate and
restart their lives by accessing employment, housing, or other essential
resources.

Under current regulations, the DMV requires individuals to meet a
7-point identification system to obtain a non-driver ID, with documents
assigned varying point values, such as a passport counting for four
points, a Social Security card for two points, and an employee ID for
one point. Currently, the confirmation letter issued by OTDA is not
accepted as part of this system, creating a significant barrier for
trafficking survivors who often lack any traditional forms of identifi-
cation. Advocates have identified this gap and support allowing the OTDA
confirmation letter to count toward the required identification points.

The OTDA confirmation letter is already a formal state-issued certif-
ication used to access a wide range of services, including legal assist-
ance, social services, and other critical support.  Recognizing the OTDA
confirmation letter as a valid foiin of identity would be a simple,
targeted change which would make a significant difference by removing a
critical barrier, enabling survivors to obtain a non-drive identifica-
tion card and take essential steps towards reintegration and self-suffi-
ciency.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.