"Eric's ID Law" Sees Strong Uptake Across Maryland

Maryland’s “Eric’s ID Law” is gaining traction, with thousands of residents opting into the state’s voluntary hidden disability identification program, and other states beginning to follow its lead.

According to a Maryland Matters article, less than a year after Maryland launched its voluntary butterfly logo program for driver’s licenses and identification cards, more than 22,000 Marylanders have requested the symbol, highlighting significant demand for tools that help identify individuals with nonapparent disabilities during interactions with law enforcement and emergency responders.

Known as “Eric’s ID Law,” the measure was inspired by Montgomery County resident Eric Carpenter-Grantham who is highly functioning autistic. Eric became the first Marylander to receive an ID featuring the butterfly logo when the program launched on October 1, 2025. The logo is available on driver’s licenses and identification cards and is intended to discreetly alert first responders that an individual may have an intellectual, developmental, or other hidden disability.

Beyond the ID designation itself, the law also requires the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, in consultation with the Maryland State Police and other stakeholders, to provide training on interacting with individuals who have nonapparent disabilities.

Participation for the program is entirely voluntary. The program does not create a disability registry, require medical documentation, or impose additional fees, instead it provides individuals and families with an optional communication tool.

Read the full article.

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference session, “Eric’s ID Law: From Policy to Practice,” panelists will explore what led Maryland to enact this law, its positive impacts for both government agencies and the community, and the practical considerations for implementation and training.

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12–15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.