FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

November 6, 2026

Maryland Launches Statewide 3-1-1 System with First Advisory Board Meeting

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland took an important step toward implementing its first-in-the-nation statewide 3-1-1 nonemergency customer service system yesterday as the 3-1-1 Oversight Advisory Board and the Technical Advisory Committee held a joint inaugural meeting.

Based on the 3-1-1 Workgroup Report, bipartisan legislation (SB114/HB9), was sponsored by Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-17) and Sen. Paul Corderman (R-2). SB114 passed unanimously and established a statewide 3-1-1 system to connect residents and visitors with reliable information and government services while reducing unnecessary calls to 9-1-1. 

During the meeting, members reviewed the legislation and discussed implementation, technology, procurement, and funding. Additionally, there were presentations on responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the role of the Maryland Information Network as host.

“I am inspired by the expertise of members of the Oversight Advisory Board and Technical Advisory Committee. Their commitment will ensure that Maryland builds a 3-1-1 system that is accessible and responsive to the needs of every community,” said Kagan.

David Hantman, Chair of the Oversight Advisory Board, described the transition ahead, “We are now moving from the end of the 3-1-1 creation process to the beginning of the implementation process. There’s a lot of work ahead to get this right. I am excited to work with this impressive group of experts as we create the nation’s first statewide 3-1-1- system for the benefit of everyone in Maryland.”

Maryland Information Network, which operates 2-1-1, will host the statewide 3-1-1 service. CEO Kenyn Benjamin and his team are crafting a 3-1-1 website, which will be available soon. The inaugural meeting’s livestream video recording is available on the MGA YouTube channel.

In case it’s helpful, the history of the issue…

After three people died in her district when 9-1-1 failed, Sen. Cheryl Kagan dedicated herself to improving emergency response systems. A Baltimore Sun article revealed that 80% of calls to the City’s 9-1-1 Center were for nonemergencies. With the endorsement of the NG911 Commission, which she chaired for four years, Sen. Kagan began advocating for a statewide 3-1-1.

 

# # # # #

 

About Senator Cheryl C. Kagan: Sen. Kagan (D-District 17) was just reelected to a fourth term representing Gaithersburg and Rockville. She serves as the Vice Chair of the Education, Energy, & Environment (& Elections!) Committee. Kagan is active on social media and can be found on Facebook at Sen. Cheryl Kagan, on Twitter at @CherylKagan, on Instagram at @CherylCKagan, and YouTube at Sen. Cheryl Kagan.