VAAC is closely tracking a package of Michigan House bills focused on access to vital identification documents for people leaving prison. For communities impacted by incarceration, lack of ID is often one of the first and most immediate barriers people face upon release.

Without a driver license or state ID, it can be difficult or impossible to secure housing, start a job, open a bank account, access health care, or reestablish stability. These barriers also directly affect civic participation, including voter registration and the ability to fully engage in public life.

The four-bill Vital Documents package updates Michigan law to strengthen and coordinate programs that provide identification to people on parole. The package is designed to improve access to driver licenses and state ID cards at the time of release.

The package includes the following bills:
• HB 5474, updating corrections law related to providing driver licenses and state ID cards to parolees
• HB 5475, updating state ID law to support ID access for parolees
• HB 5476, updating cross-references in state ID law
• HB 5477, updating driver license law related to ID access for parolees

All four bills are tie-barred, meaning they move together as a package.

Given the role ID plays in reentry and civic participation, VAAC will continue to monitor this legislation and share updates as it moves through the process.