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Bill would clarify Marylanduse of "uniformed services" terms to include public health service and NOAA
Summary
Delegate Mike Rogers and the Maryland Military Coalition supported House Bill 895, which modernizes Maryland code to align definitions of uniformed services and ensure public health service and NOAA personnel have consistent rights and benefits under veteran-related references.
Delegate Mike Rogers asked the Economic Matters Committee for a favorable report on House Bill 895, a measure that updates Maryland code to modernize terminology and bring state references into closer alignment with the U.S. Code for "uniformed services." The bill would explicitly include the U.S. Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in definitions tied to veteran-related provisions.
Dave Dragic, a retired Army colonel and legislative director for the Maryland Military Coalition, testified in favor with amendments to ensure consistency across Maryland code and to prevent future misinterpretation. "We strongly support this Bill's modernization of the Maryland code making it consistent with The US code and using key terms related to the uniform services," Dragic said.
Supporters said the change does not alter benefits but clarifies language so that those who served in public health service and NOAA receive the same clear statutory recognition as other uniformed-service members. The bill drew no opposition and no fiscal note, and supporters asked the committee for a favorable report with technical amendments to maintain consistent usage throughout state law.
No committee vote was recorded during the hearing.
