* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmember Ramos
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
title
Informational Hearing - Status of the Baltimore City Municipal Identification Card Program
For the purpose of inviting the City Solicitor and representatives from the Department of Finance, the Mayor’s Office of Information Technology, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Office of Equity and Civil Rights to discuss the status of the Baltimore City Municipal Identification Card Program, including obstacles, solutions, and a timeline for implementation.
body
Many residents of Baltimore City are unable to obtain government-issued identification
cards, which are essential to fully participate in the City’s diverse society. Although the City offers an array of cultural, educational, and civic opportunities meant to be accessible to all members of our community, this barrier leaves thousands of individuals - including immigrants, those experiencing homelessness, transgender individuals, senior citizens, youth, and formerly incarcerated people - without access to these necessary services.
Though the noted groups of individuals face unique obstacles in acquiring government-issued
identification - including language and transportation barriers among undocumented residents, challenges in modifying gender information for transgender and gender non-conforming residents, and transient or non-existent residency requirements for those experiencing homelessness - they collectively face stigma and burdensome administrative policies for obtaining necessary documents. This increases the likelihood these individuals will experience discrimination in seeking employment or housing or otherwise participating in cultural or civic life.
Whereas Article 1, Subtitle 38 {“Municipal Identification”} of the City Code (Ordinance
16-586) was passed in 2016, no meaningful action has been taken to implement a Citywide municipal identification card program.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Baltimore Council invites the City Solicitor and representatives from the Department of Finance, the Mayor’s Office of Information Technology, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Office of Equity and Civil Rights to discuss the status of the Baltimore City Municipal Identification Card Program, including obstacles, solutions, and a timeline for implementation.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this resolution will be sent to the City Solicitor, the Director of the Department of Finance, the Chief Digital Officer of the Mayor’s Office of Information Technology, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Chief Equity Officer of the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, and the Mayor’s legislative liaison to the City Council.