The Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) Across Maryland this week will meet virtually to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on 9-1-1 operations, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and subcommittee recommendations related to staffing, cybersecurity, oversight, and funding.

The Commission’s deliberations will be live-streamed in compliance with Maryland’s Open Meetings law:

                          Thursday, October 22, 2020
        11:00 am-3:00 pm (with a pause for lunch break-out subcommittee meetings)
https://bit.ly/3f3uPPC

As previously reported on Conduit Street, the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 across Maryland, a 2018 MACo Legislative Initiative, was established to update state laws and the 9-1-1 financing system to provide the flexibility and resources needed for the deployment of a statewide NG911 system.

“I am proud of the Commission’s legislative accomplishments, but there is much more work to do in order to save lives, “said Sen. Cheryl Kagan, Chair of the Commission. “The pandemic and recent social movements have highlighted new issues in addition to those related to cybersecurity, staffing, funding, and oversight already on our agenda.”

In 2019, the General Assembly passed landmark legislation to update state laws and the 9-1-1 financing system to provide the flexibility and resources needed for the deployment of a statewide NG911 system. Advancing Next Generation 9-1-1 services across Maryland was one of MACo’s top priorities during the 2019 session.

In its third year, the Commission is comprised of 9-1-1 Center directors, technology and telecommunications industry representatives, cybersecurity professionals, a bipartisan group of legislators, and other stakeholders to help Maryland effectively transition to NG911 technology.

Despite the early adjournment in March, the General Assembly passed four of the Commission’s bills to increase oversight of 9-1-1 funding, strengthen our 9-1-1 safety net, require independent audits, expand transparency, and extend the Commission’s tenure for two more years.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.

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