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 Carr testified.

Why it matters: Testimony from family members, disability service providers and emergency responders emphasized the risk of miscommunication during traffic stops and other encounters. Linda Carpenter Grantham and her son, Eric Blessed Carpenter Grantham, whose experiences inspired the bill, described why the optional notation would matter to them. "I ask for a favorable report for House Bill 707…because we need to be safe," Eric told the committee.

Key provisions and clarifications: Committee testimony and sponsor responses described a set of specific protections and process steps that are part of the 2025 version of the bill or its amendment: - The notation is voluntary and requires no medical proof. - The MVA would be required to conduct public outreach about the designation and solicit feedback from disability communities. - The bill directs the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to develop and immediately implement training so officers understand the notation. - The MVA must contact anyone who received the notation as a minor when they turn 18 to allow them to opt out. - An amendment discussed during testimony would prevent employers, insurers and similar entities from obtaining the designation from MVA except by court order and would require MVA to remove the designation from an applicant's transaction history upon request.

On training, Wayne R. Silver Sr., executive director of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, told the committee the commission expects minimal operational impact. "House Bill 707 will have minimal impact on the commission," Silver said, adding that the commission would notify agencies, develop specific training objectives and incorporate them into entry‑level training and measurable exercises.

Questions and concerns: Committee members asked about privacy, the potential for stigma or targeting, and how training would reach veteran officers as well as recruits. Delegate Lewis asked whether removal of a designation would be possible; Wilkins replied that the bill and amendment include removal and the required youth opt‑out at 18. Delegate Laymon and others referenced the Ethan Sailor case and pressed how the training required by the bill would be implemented; Silver and other witnesses described existing training objectives and audits of academies, and said the new objectives would be integrated into current curricula and annual in‑service training.

Relationship to existing programs: Witnesses noted the bill would complement, not replace, Maryland's voluntary "blue card" program (a separate, paper sleeve system) and other local efforts. Several witnesses pointed to similar laws in other jurisdictions; one witness described Virginia's JP's Law and District of Columbia adoption as precedents.

Public testimony: More than 20 organizations, parents, people with disabilities, disability service providers and public safety officials offered in‑person and virtual testimony supporting the measure. Testifiers included service providers (Terrence King, National Children's Center), local elected officials (Kyla Clark, Laurel council president), and first‑responder leaders (Chief Corey Smelly, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue).

Next steps: The committee did not record a final vote on HB 707 during the Feb. 13 hearing. Committee members said they would consider the bill and the submitted amendment and supporting materials.