Bill to Streamline Colorado’s Necessary Document Program Passes Committee

SB25-008 would streamline access to necessary legal documents for vulnerable populations

DENVER, CO – Legislation to streamline access to necessary documents for vulnerable and low-income populations passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee today. 

Colorado’s existing Necessary Document Program requires Colorado residents who are victims of domestic violence, impacted by a natural disaster, low-income, disabled, experiencing homelessness, or elderly to pay the fees to acquire necessary documents like birth certificates and drivers’ licenses. SB25-008, sponsored by Senators Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, and Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, would update the program to allow eligible individuals to access ID documents for free directly at the point of service. 

“The Necessary Documents Program is crucial for the most vulnerable members of our communities – low income earners, unhoused populations, victims of domestic violence, people who are affected by natural disasters, and disabled or elderly Coloradans,” said Hinrichsen. “Equitable access to legal documents is essential to a fresh start so that more Coloradans can get back on their feet and thrive in their communities.”

“Identity documents are critical when it comes to accessing health care, housing, employment and transportation. We need to remove unnecessary barriers of getting identification documents to ensure more Coloradans are able to access these important documents,” said Kipp. “This adjustment is necessary to ensure that our Necessary Documents Program is utilized to its full potential.”

SB25-008 would streamline administrative barriers to the Necessary Document Program without changing documentation requirements. Eligible individuals would still have to prove their full legal name, date of birth, identity, and lawful presence in the United States.

SB25-008 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.