On February 11, Policy Fellow Charlotte Fleckenstein testified before the Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 421 – Public Safety – 9-1-1 Trust Fund – 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Hotline.
This bill improves coordination between 9-1-1 emergency services and the 9-8-8 crisis response system while preserving the integrity of dedicated 9-1-1 funding.
By allowing limited 9-1-1 Trust Fund resources to support shared operational needs such as software integration and joint training, the bill removes the potential for duplicative efforts without diverting essential funding from emergency response. Moreover, because behavioral health emergencies often require a coordinated approach between public safety personnel and mental health specialists, this enhanced integration will reduce strain on 9-1-1 specialists and ensure Marylanders in crisis receive the most appropriate response and care.
Behavioral health emergencies often require both public safety and mental health intervention, but 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 operate largely as separate systems. Better integration between these services allows first responders to deploy the most appropriate resources, reducing strain on emergency response and improving outcomes for individuals in crisis.
HB 421’s cross-file, SB 36, was heard in the opposite chamber, the Health and Government Operations Committee, on March 18. MACo submitted written testimony in support of this bill.
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