People in Maryland with disabilities that may not be visible — such as autism — will soon have the opportunity to add a special designation to their state-issued IDs and driver’s licenses. This move is intended to enhance safety and communication during interactions with police officers and emergency responders. The designation is voluntary and could serve as a critical tool in preventing misunderstandings during high-stress situations.
The new legislation, known as Eric’s ID Law, was passed by the Maryland General Assembly. It was championed by Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a young man from Silver Spring who is on the autism spectrum. He first envisioned the law after designing a prototype of a Maryland driver’s license featuring a colorful butterfly. The image serves as a symbol to alert authorities that the individual may have a non-apparent disability.
“I was scared for my friends and I if they ever get hurt by the police and they would not know they have a hidden disability,” he said. “And this is when I brought the idea, Eric’s ID Law. “And now it’s a reality to become law in the state of Maryland.”
Eric’s mother, Linda Carpenter-Grantham, has been a powerful advocate alongside her son. Their push for the legislation began after the murder of George Floyd, an event that made Linda fear for her son’s safety in any future interactions with law enforcement.
“I had conversation with him as far as staying safe should he ever be stopped by law enforcement and they not know that he’s highly functioning autistic,” Linda Carpenter-Grantham said. “It could be super dangerous and scary.”
The law allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to voluntarily add a hidden disability designation to their state ID or driver’s license. This includes a specific logo — potentially a butterfly — that would signal to authorities that the individual may require different communication approaches or support.
Carpenter-Grantham hopes that his butterfly design will be adopted officially as the logo. Its symbolism carries deep personal and social meaning.
“The butterfly represents hope, peace, freedom and change, and inside the wings … it’s colors are for all disabilities,” he said.
The bill gained strong bipartisan support in Maryland, with nearly 50 delegates and 13 state senators cosponsoring the legislation. One of its notable champions was Delegate Kym Taylor from Prince George’s County, who also has a personal connection to the cause.
“The attraction of Linda and Eric — their energy, their compassion behind the idea of this bill — and I have a son that’s on spectrum, so, personally, this type of legislation would help my 26-year-old son,” she said.
Currently, at least 21 other states have similar identification options. With the passage of this law, Maryland joins a growing list of states recognizing the need for inclusive safety measures. The Carpenter-Grantham family hopes this is just the beginning. They’ve already begun discussions about expanding the concept nationwide and have met with U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey to explore the possibility of federal legislation.
“I think it makes sense,” Ivey said. “It could be a win-win. We’ll have to see if there’s a good federal angle for doing it. If there is I’d love to support it.”
Beyond legislative advocacy, Eric Carpenter-Grantham continues his college education and dreams of becoming a pastor. His mission to empower others with disabilities remains close to his heart.
“My mom always told me this quote: ‘I was created to stand out, not to fit in,’” he said. “And so, to others who don’t feel they fit in, you’re created to stand out.”
Importantly, the designation is entirely optional. No one with a disability will be required to include the logo on their ID or license — it is meant solely as a resource for those who choose it.
The law now awaits the governor’s signature. If approved, it will officially take effect in October, marking a significant step forward for disability rights and safety in Maryland.
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