On January 19, 2022, MACo Legislative Director Kevin Kinnally testified before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 57 Criminal Law – Public Safety – Communications With Public Safety Answering Points. By strengthening state laws to protect 9-1-1 centers from malicious attacks and dangerous swatting incidents, SB 57 would enhance public safety in Maryland and our local communities.
From the MACo testimony: 
SB 57 generally prohibits any actions that intend to interrupt or impair the functioning of a 9-1 center. Additionally, the bill expressly prohibits “swatting,” where an individual places a phony 9 1-1 call, often alleging a hostage situation or other serious circumstances, with the intention of dispatching law enforcement personnel to an address where no emergency exists. By weaponizing 9-1-1, swatting places first responders and civilians in danger, and drains limited public safety resources.
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