Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – On the Kentucky Senate’s consent orders, House Bill 21 received final passage and will soon head to the Governor’s desk for signature.

Youth and housing advocates are cheering as HB 21, sponsored by Representative Randy Bridges, updates Kentucky’s homeless ID law to allow unaccompanied youth to get an ID without parental permission. An ID is necessary to drive a car, get a job, open a bank account, apply for government benefits, sign a lease, qualify for a loan, pick up a prescription, and even access homeless shelters. And the reality is that many unaccompanied youth are either kicked out of their home or had to leave due to fear for their own safety and, as a result, have little to no relationship with their parents. Youth experiencing homelessness while unaccompanied by an adult often face significant barriers required to obtain these essential documents, such as parental consent. These young people deserve the ability to find stability and escape poverty.

We applaud Representative Bridges and the Kentucky House and Senate for unanimously recognizing the barriers unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness face and addressing it this legislative session. We now call on the Governor to sign HB 21 into law so these young people can access much needed resources and services.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.