Bill would allow veterans to add a ‘veteran’ notation to professional licenses; sponsors, veteran groups back measure

Senate Bill 67 would let professional licensing boards offer an optional veterans notation on a license, certificate or registration, modeled on the optional veterans notation the Motor Vehicle Administration provides on driver’s licenses.

Sponsor Sen. Brian Simon Ayers told the Finance Committee Jan. 28 the notation would be optional and boards would not be required to verify veteran status; the bill would provide boards with flexibility to implement the notation and would allow a profile flag for boards that maintain public registries. “There’s multiple benefits … networking and reducing isolation,” the sponsor said, noting the MVA currently reaches roughly half of the state’s veterans and the proposed change would reach more veterans through licensing channels.

Representatives of the American Legion, the Maryland Military Coalition and AARP Maryland testified in favor. Advocacy groups said the notation could make it easier for veterans to learn about available benefits and could simplify eligibility steps for state or federal services if the veteran consents to outreach.

Ending: Supporters urged a favorable report; no fiscal or legal objections were recorded during the hearing, and sponsor amendments clarifying verification duties were submitted for committee review.