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

HB 423 authorizes the Maryland 9-1-1 Board and Maryland Department of Emergency Management to adopt regulations implementing their existing responsibilities. It directly affects counties operating 9-1-1 systems, emergency management agencies, and public safety answering points by establishing regulatory standards for Next Generation 9-1-1 services, cybersecurity, staff training, records retention, and reimbursement processes. Key provisions include setting minimum standards for system interoperability, cybersecurity oversight, 9-1-1 specialist training (including implicit bias), and procedures for reviewing county plans and reimbursement requests. The bill clarifies these entities' authority to create rules but does not create new policy requirements.