The Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) Across Maryland this week will meet virtually to vote on subcommittee recommendations relating to staffing and training; technology and cybersecurity; oversight and accountability; and funding and structure.
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 Senator Cheryl Kagan, Chair of the Commission. “Our agenda includes a wide variety of critical issues related to supporting the mental health of 9-1-1 Specialists; updating our Geographic Information Systems; ensuring any phone can call 9-1-1 without a prefix, and adjusting the placement of the 9-1-1 Board.”
The Commission’s deliberations will be live-streamed in compliance with Maryland’s Open Meetings law on:
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
11:00 am- 3:00 pm (with a potential pause for break-out subcommittee meetings)
https://bit.ly/3f3uPPC
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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