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Bill would permit limited 9-1-1 trust fund spending on projects shared with 988 crisis line
Summary
Supporters said House Bill 421 would let counties use a small share of 9-1-1 trust-fund dollars on integration projects that benefit both 9-1-1 and 988 (the suicide and crisis lifeline), such as software integration and joint training. The Maryland Association of Counties supported the measure as a pragmatic way to reduce duplication and improve
Delegate Steve Johnson and Anna Sierra of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management said House Bill 421 would allow limited expenditures from the 9‑1‑1 trust fund on projects that serve both 9‑1‑1 and the 988 crisis line, such as software integration and joint training. "By allowing 9‑1‑1 trust fund monies to be used on projects that benefit both systems," Johnson said, the bill would "remove the potential for duplicative efforts."
Charlotte Fleckenstein of the Maryland Association of Counties told the committee the bill would "strengthen coordination" between 9‑1‑1 and 988 and noted that behavioral health emergencies often require coordinated responses between public-safety personnel and mental-health specialists. The association urged a favorable report.
