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SB 618

Relating to participation in athletic competitions according to biological sex; declaring an emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Bonham

Maryland allows a voluntary nonapparent disability notation on licenses/IDs with privacy safeguards, free issuance, removal on request, and related law enforcement training.

In committee upon adjournment.
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Bill Summary · SB 618

SB 618 — Vehicle Laws: Notation of Nonapparent Disability (“Eric’s ID Law”)

Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 448). Effective date: October 1, 2025. Introduced: Jan 25, 2025.

Purpose

To permit Maryland motor vehicle credential holders to voluntarily add a visible notation indicating a “nonapparent disability” (defined to include developmental and intellectual disabilities) on driver’s licenses, identification cards, and moped operator’s permits, and to establish related privacy protections, outreach, record‑management, and law‑enforcement training requirements.

Key provisions

  • Optional notation: Initial and renewal applications for a driver’s license, ID card, or moped operator’s permit must allow an applicant to elect a “nonapparent disability” notation.
  • Definition: “Nonapparent disability” = a disability or health condition not immediately obvious or visible; explicitly includes developmental and intellectual disabilities.
  • Credential placement: The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) must ensure the notation appears on the bottom of the physical credential for applicants who choose it.
  • No fee: MVA may not charge any fee for the notation, including issuing a corrected document solely to add/remove the notation.
  • Record deletion and removal: MVA must delete records of the notation on request at any time and must notify individuals who turn 18 that they may request removal.
  • Design/consultation and outreach: MVA must consult advocacy groups when designing the notation and conduct public outreach about its availability.
  • Privacy and disclosure limits:
    • MVA may not require proof of disability nor deny credentials because of mismatched indications.
    • MVA may not disclose notation information to insurance companies or the Maryland Insurance Administration without a court order.
    • The notation information cannot be used as a basis to refer someone to the Medical Advisory Board.
    • Permitted disclosures (without a court order) are limited to courts, criminal justice agencies, driver licensing authorities, the applicant and their attorney, third parties designated by the applicant, and the Child Support Administration.
  • Law enforcement training: The Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, with the Department of State Police and stakeholders, must implement training on interacting with individuals who have the notation.

Who is affected

  • Individuals in Maryland with nonapparent developmental or intellectual disabilities who wish to carry an identifying notation.
  • MVA (administrative and system changes), including costs to change credential templates and process notations.
  • Law enforcement (training obligations).
  • Insurers and other entities—limited by new disclosure restrictions.

Fiscal and implementation notes

  • Effective Oct 1, 2025 (statutory text).
  • Fiscal estimate (as prepared for a related analysis): one‑time vendor and credential redesign costs (example estimate cited in similar fiscal analysis was $75,000) and per‑credential production costs (illustrative figure ~$1.39 each). Revenues not expected to be affected. Training can be accommodated within existing resources according to analysis.

Practical effect

SB 618 creates a voluntary, low‑cost means for credentialed identification of certain nonapparent disabilities while adding privacy safeguards, record‑removal rights, public outreach, and law enforcement training to promote safer, better‑informed interactions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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