New Pathways Act

Key Points

• This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to give federal prisoners a valid photo ID before they are released. This ID must meet federal security standards so it can be used for things like boarding planes or entering federal buildings.
• Prison officials must help citizens get their Social Security cards and proof of citizenship, like birth certificates or passports. If the government cannot get these documents, they must give the person a written explanation of what they tried to do.
• For noncitizens who are legally allowed to work, the bill requires prison officials to help them get proof of their legal status and work permits. This includes helping them fill out and submit the necessary immigration forms.
• The goal is to help people returning from prison find housing and jobs more easily. Having a valid ID is often required to rent an apartment, open a bank account, or start a new job.
• The bill also requires probation officers to help prisoners who are being released directly into the community create a plan for their transition back to society.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.