D.C. State Board unanimously backs Eric’s ID amendment, urges council to include student IDs

The D.C. State Board of Education on May 20 unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Council to pass B26‑0619, known locally as Eric’s ID amendment of 2026. The resolution expresses the board’s support for a voluntary disability‑indicator on driver’s licenses and IDs designed to help law enforcement and first responders recognize and respond to people with non‑apparent disabilities. Vice President Eric Goule read a Student Advisory Committee statement that said the committee supported the proposal by a 21‑0 margin with two abstentions.

The resolution — SR26‑8 — asks the Council to amend the bill to explicitly include DC1 and school student IDs, fund disability‑awareness training for law enforcement, and build safeguards to make the program accessible and voluntary. Representative Thompson, who introduced the board action and said the idea had a hearing date of June 4, framed the measure as a protection for residents with visible and invisible disabilities and thanked families who shared lived experience with the board.

Supporters told the board they favor a voluntary, low‑burden opt‑in indicator — modeled on Maryland’s program — and stressed equitable access for low‑income residents and minors. Student advisory members explicitly raised issues the board also noted: whether documentation (such as a doctor’s note) would be required, how the district would prevent misuse of the indicator in employment or education settings, and how to keep participation free and non‑stigmatizing.

The resolution’s text describes the indicator as a butterfly symbol on an ID and includes protections against use for insurance or medical eligibility and a requirement that the indicator be free to applicants. The board also called on the Council to include DC1 and student IDs in the statutory language, to provide training for local law enforcement, and to fund public‑awareness efforts.

President Dr. Jacques Patterson said the board appreciates testimony from Linda and Eric Carpenter and others who described the real‑world effects of the policy. Director Butler called the roll; the board vote was recorded as unanimous.

What happens next: SR26‑8 is an advisory resolution urging the Council and AIE to act; it does not itself change law. The Council will consider B26‑0619 on the Council calendar; the board’s resolution requests amendments adding DC student IDs and training and asking that the Council adopt privacy and access protections recommended by the disability community.

Board action and provenance: The board moved and read SR26‑8 aloud, accepted the Student Advisory Committee statement, and called the roll; the title was read by Director Butler and the recorded vote and announcement appear in the official minutes.