Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – No matter what homelessness looks like for a young person – doubling up with friends and family to living in a hotel or shelter to living on the streets – they lack a fixed address and face significant barriers to accessing essential documents. With passage of House Bill 21 today by the Senate Transportation Committee, the Commonwealth is one step closer to addressing that barrier.

HB 21, championed by Representative Randy Bridges, updates Kentucky’s homeless ID law to allow unaccompanied homeless youth to get an ID without parental permission. The measure permits them access to a simple but essential tool to finding stability and escaping poverty. We commend the Senate Transportation Committee for their support today and now urge the full Senate to ensure final passage of HB 21 within the final days of the 2023 legislative session.

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.