H.R. 8645 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Apr 30, 2026
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryHelp prisoners get ID before release
Prisoners need identification documents to succeed after they leave prison. This bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to help incarcerated people get the documents they need before they're released. For U.S. citizens, that means obtaining a Social Security card, proof of citizenship, and a photo ID. For noncitizens, it means helping them get proof of legal status and work authorization if they're eligible.
How it affects you
If you're currently incarcerated or released from federal prison, this change could make it easier to get essential documents you'll need for jobs and other parts of life after release. The bill doesn't directly affect people who have never been incarcerated.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 30, 2026)
New Pathways Act
This bill revises existing requirements for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to help prisoners obtain identification documents prior to their release.
With respect to U.S. citizens, the BOP must obtain and provide a Social Security card, a proof of U.S. citizenship document, and a photo identification card.
With respect to noncitizens, the BOP must help obtain proof of lawful status and, if applicable, an employment authorization document.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
2nd SessionH. R. 8645
A BILL
New Pathways Act
Sponsor: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) · Introduced Apr 30, 2026 · Crime and Law Enforcement · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 30, 2026: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”