PRESS RELEASE: 9-1-1 Commission Debates Life-Saving Technology Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2018

Senator Cheryl C. Kagan
District 17 (Rockville & Gaithersburg)
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us
301/858-3134

9-1-1 Commission Debates Life-Saving Technology Tuesday

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) is coming to Maryland. This life-saving technology will deliver greater precision; the option of texting photos and videos; and offer robust cybersecurity against hackers. Maryland is behind 22 other states in moving forward with NG911. In order to facilitate the transition, Senator Cheryl C. Kagan enacted legislation that created a statewide Commission to analyze the complex issues and offer legislative recommendations.

Kagan (D-Montgomery) took on this issue after three people died in her district when 9-1-1 failed. “Emergency response isn’t a government service that’s nice to have. It’s a critically important must have. When 9-1-1 fails, people die!” Next Generation 9-1-1 will increase Maryland call centers’ ability to respond effectively with precise information.

“The Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland” will have its second full Commission meeting on Tuesday, October, 23 2018 10am-4pm in the Joint Hearing Room in Annapolis. Four subcommittees have been meeting weekly since mid-September and will make recommendations to the entire group. These subgroups have focused on:

  • Recruiting, training, and retaining staff;
  • Updating technology and cybersecurity;
  • Evaluating current funding shortfalls and proposing adjustments; and
  • Ensuring appropriate oversight and accountability.

This work is critically important to Maryland. With four legislators (2 Democrats and 2 Republicans), it is also notably bipartisan in tone– even in an election year. Commissioner and Senator Ed Reilly (R-Anne Arundel) commented, “There is nothing more important to the fabric of our society than police and fire response in an emergency.” The continuing efforts of this commission will make that response faster, safer, and more effective.
WHAT: Second meeting of the “Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland” The meeting will be live-streamed here
WHEN: Tuesday, October 23, 2018 10:00am – 4:00pm
WHERE: Joint Committee Hearing Room, Annapolis, Maryland
WHO: Commission members include 9-1-1 Center directors, telecommunications experts, representatives from the Departments of Information Technology and Disabilities, other agency representatives, and State legislators

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About Senator Cheryl C. Kagan: Senator Kagan (D) represents District 17, Rockville and Gaithersburg. First elected in 1994 to the House of Delegates, Kagan served two terms before stepping down to work in the non-profit sector. In 2014, Kagan returned to elected office, winning her first term to the State Senate. Last year, the Maryland Association of Counties recognized Senator Kagan for her efforts on 9-1-1 and other key local government priorities. She was named the 2018 National Leader by the Next Generation 9-1-1 Institute.

Chair of the Commission Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan and Vice Chair Steve Souder
are leading a group of public safety experts from across Maryland in examining how to transition to NG911. 

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By Authority: Citizens Helping Elect Cheryl Kagan (C.H.E.C.K.), Michael Frazier, Chair; Roger Heymann CPA, Treasurer.