Veterans (Veteran Employment)

HB 1177 requires Maryland's State certification agency to create an outreach program, working with the Office of Small, Minority, and Women Business Affairs, the Military Department, and the Department of Veterans and Military Families. The program aims to increase participation by veteran-owned small businesses in Maryland's small business reserve program, which prioritizes contracts for qualifying businesses. The bill mandates annual reports to state officials detailing the outreach program's status and the number and value of contracts awarded to veteran-owned businesses. This bill amends Maryland law to implement these requirements, effective October 1, 2026.

SB 150 allows Maryland state departments (including Environment, General Services, and Labor) to add a voluntary "veteran status" notation to public profiles for certain licenses and certifications. It requires applicants to provide documentation (like a DD-214 or state certification) and explicitly consent to having the notation displayed and to being contacted about veterans' benefits. The bill applies to business licenses, health occupations credentials, and state-issued identification cards, with departments adding the notation only upon verified veteran status and applicant consent. This policy change does not create new benefits but provides a visible indicator of veteran status on state-issued public profiles.

SB 167 allows Maryland's Department of Natural Resources to add a veteran status notation to licenses, permits, registrations, or public profiles upon request. Veterans applying for these items must submit proof (like a DD-214 or VA certification) and consent to having the notation and sharing their eligibility for benefits with agencies. The bill requires the department to include the notation if proof and consent are provided, and to electronically share eligible veterans' information with state agencies upon request. It takes effect October 1, 2026, and applies only to DNR-issued licenses and permits.

This bill allows Maryland's Department of Education to voluntarily add a veteran status notation to the licenses and public profiles of primary and secondary educators. Educators who provide documentation (like a DD Form 214 or VA certification) and consent to the notation can have "Veteran" displayed on their license and public profile. The department would also share this veteran status information with state agencies upon request to help determine eligibility for veterans' benefits. The policy applies only to educators who choose to participate and takes effect October 1, 2026.