New York City lawmakers are proposing a bill that would provide city residents living in all five boroughs with municipal identification cards.
Advocates of the bill gathered on the steps of City Hall Wednesday afternoon in support of the proposed plan to make city-issued identification cards available to all city residents.
Under the law, city agencies would be be required to accept the card, making it easier for New Yorkers to access city services where identification is required. Applicants would have to provide proof of residency and identity to obtain the card.
The proposed legislation would also require that the card be designed to deter fraud, much like a driver’s license or passport.
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, along with City Council members Carlos Menchaca and Daniel Dromm, announced the proposed legislation on Tuesday.
Mark-Viverito said the identity cards would provide broader access to city services, foster better community relations, and help bring stability to all residents.
Mayor Bill de Blasio lauded the bill, saying “I am extremely pleased that the City Council has acted swiftly to move forward a proposal to create a municipal ID card for all New Yorkers. Having an official form of identification will bring dignity and peace of mind to many fellow residents currently living in the shadows.”
De Blasio also commended Dromm and Menchaca for their efforts in drafting the legislation and thanked Mark-Viverito for “her vision and support.”
“I look forward to reviewing this bill and to continuing conversations with the City Council to make this ID a reality,” the mayor added.