Public Safety - 9-1-1 Emergency Telephone System - Definition of First Responders

SB 805 updates Maryland's legal definition of "first responder" to explicitly include three specific roles within the Department of Transportation: Emergency Response Technicians, Facility Maintenance Technicians, and Vehicle Services and Recovery Technicians. This change directly affects these transportation workers, recognizing them as official first responders for 9-1-1 emergency system purposes. The bill amends existing law (Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 1-301(j)) to add these positions to the definition, which previously covered firefighters, paramedics, and other traditional responders. The policy change takes effect October 1, 2025, ensuring these DOT staff are formally acknowledged during emergency calls involving vehicle incidents or roadside assistance.