Bill > HB423

This bill grants regulatory authority to the Maryland 9-1-1 Board and the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, expanding their existing responsibilities. For the 9-1-1 Board, the bill adds the ability to adopt regulations to implement and enforce its current mandates, which include coordinating county 9-1-1 system enhancements, establishing planning guidelines for enhanced and Next Generation 9-1-1 services, developing training standards for public safety answering point personnel, and creating minimum standards for cybersecurity and records retention. The bill specifically requires the Board to develop training programs that cover Next Generation 9-1-1 topics, psychological well-being, and implicit bias training, with mandatory implementation timelines for existing and new personnel. For the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, the bill similarly authorizes the department to adopt regulations to implement and enforce its responsibilities, which include developing emergency management policies, reducing disaster risks, coordinating emergency planning and preparedness, and facilitating emergency management activities across state agencies, local governments, and other entities. The bill will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing time for the relevant agencies to prepare their regulatory frameworks.

Education, Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0423?ys=2025RS