The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s advocacy in emergency services policy in the 2026 General Assembly session.
Emergency services are a cornerstone of county government, encompassing fire and rescue operations, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1 call centers that residents rely on in moments of crisis. Counties are on the frontlines of these efforts, coordinating rapid response systems and disaster preparedness across diverse communities. Through its advocacy, MACo works to secure sustainable funding, modernize critical infrastructure, and ensure that local emergency services remain resilient and responsive.
In Maryland’s 448th legislative session, ongoing fiscal pressures, workforce challenges, and rising demands on 9-1-1 systems and disaster response drove emergency services policy. MACo advocated for practical, well-supported solutions that strengthen emergency response systems without overburdening local governments. MACo’s Legislative Committee set the association’s positions on a range of bills affecting funding structures, system upgrades, and cross-jurisdictional coordination.
Follow these links for more coverage on our Conduit Street blog and Legislative Database.
As amended, MACo supported HB 9/SB 114 – 3-1-1 Systems – Expansion Program and Oversight Board – Establishment. This bill takes a practical first step toward improving the coordination and evaluation of 3–1–1 service by establishing the Maryland 3-1-1 Oversight Board in the Maryland Information Network to oversee the expansion of 3-1-1 systems in Maryland. SB 114 emphasizes learning from existing systems, identifying gaps, and understanding how residents access nonemergency services before moving toward a broader statewide approach. MACo worked with the sponsor to address technical and implementation issues and ensure any expansion builds on what already works locally and avoids unintended operational or fiscal challenges. This bill PASSED in the 2026 session.
MACo supported HB 1219/SB 739 – Climate Change, Homeowner’s Insurance, and Emergency Management – Study. This bill advances a top priority identified by county emergency managers by directing the University System of Maryland to evaluate Maryland’s emergency management funding structure and develop recommendations for sustainable, long-term funding. This bill PASSED in the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 593/SB 482 – Criminal Law – Interference With Critical Infrastructure or a Public Safety Answering Point. This bill bolsters Maryland’s ability to prevent, deter, and respond to threats against critical infrastructure. Disruptions to these systems create immediate public safety risks and can cascade across emergency response, public health, and basic services. This bill addresses that gap by expanding Maryland’s protections for critical infrastructure and strengthening the ability to deter and prosecute intentional interference with essential systems. This bill PASSED in the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 1239/SB 825 – Public Safety – Critical Infrastructure Protection. This bill establishes a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch within the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center to strengthen threat identification, coordination, and response related to critical infrastructure. This legislation is a strategic step toward strengthening collaboration among state, local, federal, and private-sector partners and ensuring Maryland is better prepared to prevent, withstand, and respond to emerging threats. This bill PASSED in the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 953 – Revenue Stabilization Account – Transfer of Funds – State Disaster Recovery Fund. This bill authorizes the governor, with the Board of Public Works’s approval, to transfer funds from the Revenue Stabilization Account to the State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF), strengthening Maryland’s ability to respond when disasters impose immediate costs on communities. This bill PASSED in the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
As amended, MACo took no position on SB 159 – Emergency Medical Services – Vehicles and Ambulances – Required Supplies. This bill requires the Executive Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) to coordinate the availability of minimum equipment, supplies, and medications (including those needed for neonatal care) on emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles. MACo worked with the sponsor to address practical expectations for compliance mandates and service delivery. This bill PASSED in the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 1189/SB 690 – Property and Casualty Insurance – Distribution of Premium Tax Proceeds to State Disaster Recovery Fund. This bill would have established a modest, defined annual funding commitment to the State Disaster Recovery Fund (SDRF) and better ensured that Maryland can respond and deliver relief to residents and communities when federal disaster assistance is unavailable or insufficient. The bill sought to give counties a more reliable tool to help communities recover when disaster costs outpace local capacity. This bill DID NOT pass in the 2026 session.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported HB 937 – Workgroup to Study Youth Camp and RV Park Emergency Preparedness – Established with amendments. This bill would have established a Workgroup to Study Youth Camp and RV Park Emergency Preparedness to review emergency preparedness policies, inventory youth camps and RV parks by county, examine legislation in other states, and develop recommendations regarding potential statewide standards. MACo sought amendments to include local emergency managers in the workgroup to ensure recommendations are practical, operationally sound, and grounded in real-world experience. This bill DID NOT pass the 2026 session.
For more emergency services-related legislation tracked by MACo during the 2026 legislation.
