Texas House Bill HB874

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the issuance of a certified birth record to a homeless individual.

Impact

The bill's enactment would help streamline the process for homeless individuals to obtain vital records, facilitating access to various public services, including healthcare and social welfare programs. By removing the requirement for a physical address, it aims to reduce barriers that have historically made it difficult for homeless individuals to obtain identification and pertinent documents, thus supporting their rights and dignity in society.

Summary

House Bill 874 addresses the issuance of certified birth records specifically for homeless individuals in the state of Texas. The bill stipulates that on request, a homeless individual is entitled to receive a certified copy of their birth record without incurring any fees. This is a significant move to aid those who may struggle with obtaining essential documentation due to their living situations. The bill defines a homeless individual according to specific criteria, ensuring that those who genuinely lack a permanent address or reside in temporary accommodations are included under this new provision.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the implementation of this bill, particularly about how the status of individuals as 'homeless' will be verified and what documentation will be required as proof. Critics may argue that the process of verification could become burdensome or exploitative, detracting from the bill's intention to assist a vulnerable population. Moreover, there could be discussions around the appropriateness of allocating state resources to this verification process versus other pressing needs of the homeless population.