Sec. 501.0165.  STATE-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION; NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION.  (a)  Before discharging an inmate or releasing an inmate on parole, mandatory supervision, or conditional pardon, the department shall:
(1)  determine whether the inmate has:
(A)  a valid license issued under Chapter 521 or 522, Transportation Code; or
(B)  a valid personal identification certificate issued under Chapter 521, Transportation Code; and
(2)  if the inmate does not have a valid license or certificate described by Subdivision (1), submit to the Department of Public Safety on behalf of the inmate a request for the issuance of a personal identification certificate under Chapter 521, Transportation Code.
(b)  The department shall submit a request under Subsection (a)(2) as soon as is practicable to enable the department to provide the inmate with the personal identification certificate when the department discharges or releases the inmate.
(c)  The department, the Department of Public Safety, and the bureau of vital statistics of the Department of State Health Services shall by rule adopt a memorandum of understanding that establishes their respective responsibilities with respect to the issuance of a personal identification certificate to an inmate, including responsibilities related to verification of the inmate's identity.  The memorandum of understanding must require the Department of State Health Services to electronically verify the birth record of an inmate whose name and any other personal information is provided by the department and to electronically report the recorded filing information to the Department of Public Safety to validate the identity of an inmate under this section.
(d)  The department shall reimburse the Department of Public Safety or the Department of State Health Services for the actual costs incurred by those agencies in performing responsibilities established under this section.  The department may charge an inmate for the actual costs incurred under this section or the fees required by Section 521.421, Transportation Code.
(e)  This section does not apply to an inmate who:
(1)  is not legally present in the United States; or
(2)  was not a resident of this state before the person was placed in the custody of the department.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1288 (H.B. 2161), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.