H.R. 8645 — New Pathways Act

This section revises identification and release assistance requirements for Federal prisoners under the Second Chance Act of 2007. It defines covered individuals to include United States citizens in Bureau of Prisons custody or community confinement who possess a social security card, proof of citizenship, and documentation of a post-release residence, as well as noncitizens who are lawfully present, employment-authorized, and have proof of a residence. For United States citizen covered individuals, the Director must issue a REAL ID-compliant photo identification card prior to release from imprisonment or community confinement and obtain a social security card plus acceptable proof of citizenship (such as a passport, birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or consular report of birth abroad), subject to exceptions for agency inaction or lack of individual authorization. For noncitizen covered individuals, the Director must assist in obtaining proof of lawful status and, where applicable, an employment authorization document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, including by providing forms and submission support. The section also requires a United States Probation System representative to help direct-release prisoners develop a release plan upon request.