THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 26, 2024 Page 7 Senate passes DiDomenico bill to provide returning citizens with identifi cation STARTT Act makes our state more welcoming and supportive for people returning from incarceration O n July 22, 2024, the Massachusetts Senate passed Senator Sal DiDomenico’s bill titled An Act relative to successful transition and re-entry to tomorrow for incarcerated persons (STARTT), which would provide a Massachusetts identifi cation card to incarcerated individuals who will soon be reentering our communities. This legislation codifi es the Healey Administration’s eff orts to provide identifi cation to returning citizens into law. The STARTT Act would provide people released from incarceration with a fundamental necessity to live in Massachusetts, which is simply a way to prove their identity. Many people returning to society will do so without any means of proving who they are, which presents a signifi cant challenge when accessing government assistance programs that help people secure housing, food, employment and various other basic needs. Denying individuals this support is setting them up for failure and making it more likely that returning citizens will recidivate. “I am proud to be the lead sponsor of this bill that will give returning citizens access to the services and support they need to move on to the next chapter of their lives and succeed in our state,” said Senator DiDomenico (D-Everett), who is Assistant Majority Leader. “When an individual leaves incarceration, they deserve the chance to provide for themselves and their families without any obstacles in front of them. I am committed to getting this commonsense policy over the fi nish line to ensure we give every Massachusetts resident the opportunity to thrive. I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Chair Rodrigues, local law enforcement partners, and advocates for supporting this impactful legislation.” The Senate-approved proposal expands the list of eligible places of residence that individuals can use to satisfy residency requirements and guarantees that the Department of Correction and Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will complete the process of acquiring identification in advance of the individual’s release. Making it easier for someone without a permanent residence to obtain an ID is especially signifi cant. Oftentimes those released from incarceration do not have a permanent address when they are released, which makes it difficult to satisfy the necessary documents needed to obtain an ID. This bill will expand the list of alternative addresses that can be used to secure identifi cation. Addresses can include a family member’s home, a temporary group residence, a place of worship, a community center, a city or town hall in the municipality an individual intends to reside in upon discharge or a nonprofit organization that provides the individual with services. The legislation also requires that the RMV accepts a valid inmate identifi cation card issued by a Massachusetts correctional facility as an acceptable document for purposes of proof of Massachusetts residency. The STARTT Act has a broad coalition of support, including from the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, local law enforcement and various nonprofi t organizations focused on strengthening our rights and opportunities. The bill now heads to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration. State Senator Sal DiDomenico speaking on the Senate fl oor in favor of his bill. EVERETT KIWANIS 38th ANNUAL FRANK E. WOODWARD GOLF TOURNAMENT!!! Supporting Scholarships for Everett High School Students Register online to play and to buy tee box signs at www.everettkiwanisgolf.com Date: July 26, 2024 Time: 7:00AM Registration – 8:00 AM Shotgun Start Location: Mount Hood Golf Course – 100 Slayton Rd. Melrose, MA Fee: $150.00 per golfer – includes 18-hole best ball scramble format, cart, greens fees, lunch, and prizes Please buy a tee box sign for $125.00 per hole Questions: Contact David LaRovere at david@larovere.com or 617-387-2700 Online registration gives option to be invoiced or pay online YOUR LOCAL NEWS & SPORTS IN SIX LANGUAGES. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ADVOCATE ONLINE BY SCANNING HERE!
8 Publizr Home