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Bill

SB 138

Public Safety - Maryland 9-1-1 Board and Maryland Department of Emergency Management - Regulatory Authority

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Cheryl Kagan

Maryland grants expanded regulatory authority to state 9-1-1 Board and Emergency Management agency to standardize emergency communications infrastructure and services.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 15
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Bill Summary · SB 138

Legislative bill overview

SB 138 grants the Maryland 9-1-1 Board and Maryland Department of Emergency Management expanded regulatory authority over emergency communication systems and related infrastructure. The bill clarifies jurisdictional responsibilities and establishes new rule-making powers for these agencies to modernize and standardize 9-1-1 services across the state.

Why is this important

Emergency communication systems are critical public safety infrastructure that directly affect response times and outcomes for life-threatening situations. Clear regulatory authority ensures consistency in service quality, technology standards, and funding mechanisms across Maryland's diverse jurisdictions, which can be fragmented without centralized oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Local autonomy concerns: Municipalities may resist state-level regulatory requirements if they perceive them as unfunded mandates or interference with local emergency management operations.
  • Implementation costs: Standardization requirements could impose significant expenses on smaller counties or jurisdictions with older 9-1-1 systems that lack resources for upgrades.
  • Scope of authority: Ambiguity about which specific regulatory powers are granted could create disputes between state agencies and local governments over decision-making authority and enforcement mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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