Maryland committee hears bill to add optional "non‑apparent disability" notation on state IDs

House Bill 707, nicknamed "Eric's ID law," would create an optional notation on Maryland driver's licenses, identification cards and moped operator permits to indicate a non‑apparent (invisible) disability, sponsors told the House Environment and Transportation Committee on Feb. 13.

The notation would be voluntary, would not require medical documentation and would carry no additional fee, Delegate Doug Wilkins, sponsor, said in his opening remarks. "This designation is completely optional and does not require any proof of medical history or disability," Wilkins said. "There is no fee for adding this designation on a driver's license or state ID." He urged a favorable report.

Supporters said the notation would give first responders and law enforcement immediate, visible information in tense encounters and that the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission would play central roles in outreach and training. "Having some sort of identification that we can then see if a person has an invisible disability to provide the resources is paramount," Prince George's County Sheriff John…