If Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signs HB0707—Eric’s ID Law—a quiet revolution will begin October 1, 2025.

Under this new law, individuals applying for a Maryland driver’s license, moped permit, or state ID will be able to voluntarily include a designation for a “nonapparent disability.” Think autism, deafness, PTSD, ADHD, or other conditions that can affect communication, sensory processing, or behavioral responses but aren’t visible to the eye.

This means, for the first time, individuals will be able to identify on their ID that they may need understanding or accommodations—particularly during high-stress interactions with law enforcement or emergency personnel.

And on that card? A butterfly and the words “hidden disability.”

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A Bill Born From Fear, Love, and Hope

The bill’s name honors Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a 20-year-old autistic Black man from Silver Spring, Maryland. His mother, Linda, helped craft the bill after a conversation that will resonate with any parent raising a child with disabilities in today’s America—particularly Black parents.

Following the George Floyd protests, Eric told his mother:

“‘I would like to make something to go onto the ID so that the police will know that me and my friends have autism so that they won’t hurt us if we ever get stopped.’”

Let that sink in.

A young man with autism, worried that his differences might get him killed, decided to take action to protect not only himself but his friends. A butterfly, the symbol he chose for peace, change, and hope—taken from magnets on his family’s fridge—became the emblem of this movement.

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What the Law Will Do

If signed by Governor Moore, here’s what Eric’s ID Law will offer:

• Voluntary Designation: Maryland residents may request a “hidden disability” marker when applying for or renewing their ID.
• Nonapparent Disabilities Included: While examples cited include autism and deafness, the designation could likely apply to ADHD, PTSD, Tourette’s, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and other neurological or psychological conditions.
• New ID Templates: The redesign will cost about $75,000 to implement across vendor systems statewide.
• Visual Symbol: The IDs will feature the words “hidden disability” alongside a butterfly icon—a visual cue designed to promote empathy and prevent misinterpretation during tense situations.

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Why This Matters

Let’s not pretend this is a small gesture. For those living with nonapparent disabilities—especially people of color—the fear of being misunderstood, escalated, or mistreated by authorities is not theoretical. It’s a lived reality.

Think about:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Difficulty with eye contact, delayed responses, or unusual tone of voice can be mistaken for suspicious behavior.
• ADHD: Impulsivity or emotional reactivity can be misread as defiance.
• PTSD: Panic responses during a traffic stop might be viewed as aggression.
• Deafness: Non-responsiveness to commands may be mistaken for noncompliance.

With this law, a driver can silently signal: “I’m not a threat. I need understanding, not force.”

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An Example of Government Working

HB0707 didn’t come from a lobbyist or a legal think tank. It came from a kitchen table. From a mother. From a young man with autism worried about surviving a traffic stop.

The bill was introduced by Sen. William C. Smith Jr. and Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (both representing District 20), with co-sponsorship by Del. Lorig Charkoudian and Del. David Moon. Both the House and Senate passed the bill unanimously.

“The significance of that bill is that it was an idea that came from a constituent… and that’s the majesty of this process,” Sen. Smith told Bethesda Magazine.

This is how government should work—compassionate, responsive, and led by the people most impacted.

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Potential Challenges and Future Questions

• Privacy: Some may worry that the designation invites bias or unwanted disclosure. Because it’s voluntary, that risk remains within the applicant’s control—but training and awareness among law enforcement must go hand-in-hand.
• Scope: How broadly will “nonapparent disability” be interpreted? Advocates will likely push to ensure it covers conditions like ADHD, PTSD, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and more.
• Expansion: Could other states follow Maryland’s lead? This law could become a model for safer, more inclusive policing nationwide.

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Final Thoughts: From Pain, Something Beautiful

As someone with ADHD and PTSD—and as a father—I see something deeply powerful in this legislation.

I see a mother’s love.

I see a young man’s wisdom.

I see a butterfly born from fear, flying toward freedom.

Let this be a first step. Toward understanding. Toward reform. Toward a world where no child—disabled or not—has to invent a way to avoid violence from those meant to protect them.

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Call to Action:
Write Gov. Wes Moore and encourage him to sign HB0707 into law. Support organizations that advocate for disability rights and police reform. And share Eric’s story. This butterfly has wings—let’s help it fly.

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Sources:

• Maryland Matters
• WTOP-FM
• Bethesda Magazine
• Text of HB0707 from Maryland General Assembly