Maryland Emergency Services Legislative Updates for 2026
During the 2026 legislative session, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) concentrated on policies impacting emergency services vital to local governments, covering fire, rescue operations, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1 call centers. MACo's primary goal is to maintain these services as well-funded, technologically advanced, and capable of responding efficiently to emergencies.
The 448th Maryland legislative session witnessed MACo's advocacy in addressing fiscal pressures, workforce challenges, and the growing demand on emergency systems. The Legislative Committee adopted positions on various bills affecting funding, system upgrades, and inter-jurisdictional coordination.
Key Legislative Support and Outcomes
Among the supported legislations, HB 9/SB 114 establishes the Maryland 3-1-1 Oversight Board aimed at enhancing nonemergency service access and operational efficiency, with successful passage marking improved service coordination. MACo also backed HB 1219/SB 739, which tasks the University System of Maryland with evaluating emergency management funding to provide sustainable funding recommendations, a bill that secured approval.
In infrastructure protection, MACo supported HB 593/SB 482, enhancing legal frameworks for safeguarding essential infrastructure, and HB 1239/SB 825, which sets up a Critical Infrastructure Protection Branch within the state's coordination center for enhanced threat response, both of which were enacted. Further, HB 953 was supported to allow fund transfers to the State Disaster Recovery Fund, enhancing financial disaster response capabilities, also receiving legislative success.
Despite these successes, other initiatives such as HB 1189/SB 690, targeting the reallocation of premium tax proceeds for disaster relief funding, and HB 937, proposing a study group for emergency preparedness in camps and RV parks, did not pass. MACo chose not to take a position on SB 159 mandating the coordination of essential supplies for emergency medical vehicles, which was passed, requiring detailed implementation strategies.
Overall, MACo's advocacy efforts in the 2026 session indicate a comprehensive approach to strengthening Maryland’s emergency services framework, emphasizing sustainable funding and the development of efficient, resilient systems across the state.