MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally yesterday submitted written testimony to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee in support of SB 235 Major Information Technology Development Project Fund – Use of Funds. This bill would enhance funding for the Statewide Public Safety Interoperability Radio System, which is essential for county public safety agencies across Maryland.

From the MACo Testimony:

Counties appreciate efforts to support and enhance MD FiRST, as it continues to make public
safety communications both more inclusive and more effective, particularly in western
Maryland and on the Eastern Shore, and serves as a critical link for state and local volunteer
emergency responders.

SB 235 expands the purpose of the Major Information Technology Development Project Fund
(MITDPF) to require funding for MD FiRST. In order for a project to be eligible for funding
through the MITDPF – which is used to pay for major IT development projects across state
agencies – it must cost at least $1 million and generally support critical business functions
associated with the public health, education, safety, or financial well-being of Maryland
residents.

Follow MACo’s advocacy efforts during the 2021 legislative session on MACo’s Legislative Tracking Database.