Bill would allow optional veteran notation on professional licenses and facilitate outreach
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Summary
Senate Bill 89 would allow veterans to request a veterans notation on state professional licenses and permit agencies to offer information about veterans benefits and services; sponsors and veteran groups described the change as an opt‑in recognition and outreach tool rather than a mandate.
Senator Brian Simonaire presented Senate Bill 89, a measure to allow veterans to add an optional veterans notation to state professional licenses and certificates and to permit licensing agencies to offer consenting licensees information about veteran benefits and services.
Senator Simonaire said the proposal is modeled on the MVA's veteran notation on driver's licenses but would be optional rather than mandatory to give agencies flexibility in implementation. He and David Dragic of the Maryland Military Coalition described the change as a convenience for veterans and a way to reduce bureaucratic burdens when proving service for benefits.
Mayor (Dr.) Kachena Cross (virtual) and other witnesses testified in support, describing the program as a non‑compulsory outreach tool that can help connect veterans to services and reduce isolation. David Dragic said the Maryland Military Coalition "strongly supports SB 89" and that such notations, with consent, reduce the time veterans spend proving eligibility for benefits.
No committee vote was recorded in the hearing transcript; sponsors requested a favorable report.