Maryland authorizes Department of Natural Resources to add veteran status notation to licenses and permits

Original title: Department of Natural Resources - Licenses, Permits, Registrations, and Public Profiles - Notation of Veteran Status

Last action · March 25, 2026: Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.Sponsors: Bryan Simonaire and 3 others

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What This Bill Would Do

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is authorized to create a process allowing veterans to request a veteran status notation on their department-issued licenses, permits, registrations, or public profiles, effective October 1, 2026.

Why it matters

Veterans applying for recreational or professional licenses, permits, or registrations through the Department of Natural Resources gain the option to display their veteran status and consent to receive state and federal outreach regarding eligible benefits.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Veterans

Veterans applying for Department of Natural Resources licenses or permits can request a veteran status notation and receive outreach regarding benefits.

Directly affected

Department of Natural Resources

The department is authorized to establish a verification process, include notations, and transmit consenting contact information to executive branch agencies.

Key Facts

The Department of Natural Resources is authorized to establish a process for including a veteran status notation on licenses, permits, registrations, or public profiles.
Applicants must request the notation and submit acceptable documentation of veteran status, such as a certification from the Department of Veterans and Military Families or a DD Form 214.
Applicants requesting the notation must consent to being contacted by executive branch agencies regarding eligibility for state or federal veterans' benefits.
The department must electronically transmit contact information of consenting individuals to requesting executive branch agencies in accordance with public information laws.

Show all 6 facts

The Department of Natural Resources may adopt regulations to carry out this section.
This Act takes effect October 1, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents can be used to prove veteran status?

Applicants can submit a certification of veteran status from the Department of Veterans and Military Families, a federal certificate of release or discharge from active duty (), or other documentation acceptable to the Department of Natural Resources.

What is required in addition to proving veteran status?

Applicants must indicate their consent to have the notation placed on their document and agree to be contacted by executive branch agencies regarding veteran benefits.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently passed chamber. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Law.

Procedural history

9 actions

Mar 25, 2026House
Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
Feb 13, 2026HouseCommittee
Referred Environment and Transportation
Feb 12, 2026SenateFloor
Third Reading Passed (44-0)
Feb 10, 2026SenateFloor
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Feb 10, 2026Senate
Favorable with Amendments { 453329/1 Adopted
Feb 9, 2026SenateCommittee
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

Show 3 earlier actions

Jan 16, 2026Senate
Hearing 1/27 at 1:00 p.m.
Jan 14, 2026SenateIntroduced
First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment
Jul 3, 2025SenateIntroduced
Pre-filed

Version history

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