Identification Laws Need to Change

The laws surrounding getting a state identification hurts our most vulnerable citizens.

After four hours, two appearances before a judge, a clerk's curt denial and a court order, Bobby Hartwell, a disabled man who faced losing his home if he couldn't prove citizenship, on Tuesday got a state identification card.

Department of Revenue hearing officer Thomas McEwen ruled that Hartwell had proved his citizenship.

"He's my judge!" Hartwell said.

Hartwell, who has cerebral palsy and mental retardation, is among dozens of disabled people put at risk by tougher state rules for proving legal residence to obtain public benefits.

The battle to get Hartwell an ID was waged by Nola Nash of Denver's Atlantis/Adapt Center, which helps the disabled live on their own.

The Denver Post