PRESS RELEASE: 9-1-1 Comm Launches 4th & Final Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 3, 2021

Senator Cheryl C. Kagan

District 17 (Rockville & Gaithersburg)

Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us (preferred)

301/858-3134

NEXT GEN 9-1-1 COMMISSION LAUNCHES ITS 4th & FINAL YEAR

In its closing year of updating 9-1-1 to save lives, Maryland’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission is set to meet (virtually) this Wednesday. Members will be crafting an agenda related to funding & structure; staffing & training; technology & cybersecurity; and oversight & accountability. In compliance with Maryland’s Open Meetings law, a live stream will be available on:

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

1:00pm-3:00pm

https://bit.ly/3f3uPPC

The NG911 Commission is comprised of 9-1-1 Center directors; technology and telecommunications industry representatives; cybersecurity professionals; a bipartisan group of legislators; and other stakeholders– ensuring that Maryland effectively transitions to Next Generation 9-1-1 technology. Inspired by the death of Rockville activist and District 17 resident Carl Henn due to a 9-1-1 failure, Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-D/17) serves as Chair.

“Shifting to Next Gen 9-1-1 won’t happen overnight– it is a complex and expensive process,” said Sen. Cheryl Kagan. “Our Commission has been at the forefront and an example for other states. I am so proud of our accomplishments that will save countless lives.”

Draft Agenda (as of 5/3/2021)

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks

Senator Kagan, Chair
Steve Souder, Vice Chair

2. Introductions & Ground Rules

3. 2021 Legislative Update

4. Fourth Year Commission Priorities

5. Subcommittee & Meeting Frequency

6. Timelines & Expectations

7. Closing Remarks

During the 2021 Legislative Session, the General Assembly passed two more of the Senator’s bills, endorsed by the Commission. Assuming the Governor signs them, these new laws (SB714/HB989 & SB658/HB990) will:

Elevate the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to an independent, Cabinet-level entity and shift the 9-1-1 Board within it;
Mandate notification of certain 9-1-1 outages to 9-1-1 centers, the 9-1-1 Board, and the public;
Ensure that county NG911 contracts require providers to use standardized geographic data;
Modify the membership of the 9-1-1 Board to include specified NG911 experts;
Strengthen enforcement of Kari’s Law so that anyone can dial 9-1-1 without a prefix;
Require training for 9-1-1 Specialists regarding psychological well-being and resilience; and
Study whether Workers’ Compensation should be extended to 9-1-1 Specialists for exposure to trauma.

* * * *

About Senator Cheryl C. Kagan: Senator Kagan (D) represents District 17, Rockville and Gaithersburg. She is the Vice Chair of the Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee and Chair of Maryland’s Next Generation 9-1-1 Commission. The Maryland Association of Counties recognized Senator Kagan for her leadership on 9-1-1 and other key local government priorities in 2018. She was also named the 2018 National 9-1-1 Leader by the Next Generation 9-1-1 Institute.

Commission Chair Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan and Vice Chair Steve Souder

are leading a group of public safety experts from across Maryland

in examining how to transition to NG911.