Thread: MD: Senate OK's ID Cards For Released Inmates

Senate OK's ID Cards For Released Inmates

Friday, February 20, 2009
WBAL Radio as reported by Robert Lang

Baltimore County Senator Andy Harris spoke out against this bill.

The Maryland Senate has approved a bill that would require state officials give inmates a government identification card, once they leave prison.

The Senate approved the bill 32-15 today.

Under the legislation, inmates could use the card as a secondary identification needed to get a driver's license.

Supporters say the bill would allow ex-inmates to get other government benefits, and help them establish their lives once released from prison.

Baltimore and Harford County Republican Senator Andy Harris told his colleagues today the bill has good intentions, but it allows ex-inmates who are illegal immigrants to remain in the U.S.

"We really do want to help the folks getting out of prison to get back into society, but I don't think we want all of the folks getting out of prison to be assimilated into society," Harris said.

Harris said that the Department of Public Safety and Corrections does not track the number of inmates who are living in the U.S. illegally.

Earlier this week, the Senate rejected Harris' amendments that would have forced prison officials to inquire about an inmate's immigration status before issuing the card.

SB 186, sponsored by Baltimore City Democrat Catherine Pugh, now goes to the House of Delegates.

http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/sto ... &zoneid=21

I feel sorry for Maryland's legal citizens.