The Common Council’s Committee on Administration, Finance, Law and Public Services (AFLPS) will consider a feasibility study for a municipal identification card program at its meeting on April 1st.
A resolution proposed by Ward 2 Alderwoman Yadira Maldanado (D-2) calls for exploring municipal IDs “for the purpose of evaluating” their “potential to improve access to municipal services, support public safety objectives and strengthen community participation.” The resolution was referred to the AFLPS committee for further consideration.
“The city seeks to evaluate whether such a program would serve all residents, regardless of immigration status, while ensuring privacy protections and fiscal responsibility,” the resolution states. Approval of the resolution will result in a feasibility study to consider the fiscal impact, eligibility requirements and appropriate procedures to implement the program.
If implemented, municipal IDs “shall serve only as proof of identity and residency for local purposes and shall not be considered a substitute for any state or federally issued identification or license.”
Consideration of a municipal identification program follows a Common Council resolution adopted in February that affirmed the city’s “commitment to the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of all residents; and that access to city services—including emergency response, public health, education, and social services—shall not be denied or restricted based on immigration status, except as required by law.”
Consideration of a municipal identification program follows a Common Council resolution adopted in February that affirmed the city’s “commitment to the safety, dignity, and equal treatment of all residents; and that access to city services—including emergency response, public health, education, and social services—shall not be denied or restricted based on immigration status, except as required by law.”
The unanimously adopted resolution authored by Alderwoman Jessica Vargas (D-1) points to “concerns related to federal immigration enforcement have created uncertainty among some residents, potentially discouraging individuals from accessing essential city services or engaging with local institutions.” The resolution, adopted amid widespread protests against federal ICE violence and human rights abuses, states that “nothing in this resolution is intended to interfere with federal authority or require any city employee to act beyond the scope of their lawful duties.”
In Connecticut, Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven are among the communities to have implemented municipal identification cards to eligible residents.
The public hearing on the municipal ID feasibility resolution will be held April 1, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, New Britain City Hall 27 West Main Street. Individuals seeking to join public hearing remotely may join the queue by calling 1 (339) 209-6176. Members of the public may attend the meeting in person or view a live broadcast online via
the livestream link: https://www.newbritainct.gov/meetings or
https://www.youtube.com/@CONBCT/streams.
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