Bill would allow temporary ID exceptions and reimburse duplicate ID costs for people detained and released by ICE

Representative Sam (author) presented House File 4227, which would create temporary exceptions allowing alternative forms of identification and would direct Department of Public Safety funds to reimburse applicants who obtained duplicate driver licenses or ID cards after being detained and released by ICE between specified dates.

The author recounted constituent cases of people released without passports or state IDs and said the measure aims to reduce the time and cost for victims to regain documentation. "This gives me whether they should carry their original documents or only a copy...it is very time consuming and costly process to get new documentation," the sponsor said.

Committee members supported the intent but asked for a fiscal note; staff and members noted the bill lacks a clear cost estimate and requested follow-up from Department of Public Safety for budget implications. The bill was laid over for further review.