(a) There is a Maryland 9–1–1 Board in the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.
(b) (1) The Board consists of 24 members.
(2) Of the 24 members:
(i) one nonvoting member shall represent a telephone company operating in the State;
(ii) one nonvoting member shall represent the wireless telephone industry in the State;
(iii) one nonvoting member shall represent the Maryland Department of Emergency Management;
(iv) one member shall represent the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems;
(v) one member shall represent the Department of State Police;
(vi) one member shall represent the Public Service Commission;
(vii) one member shall represent the Association of Public–Safety Communications Officials International, Inc.;
(viii) two members shall represent county fire services in the State, with one member representing career fire services and one member representing volunteer fire services;
(ix) one member shall represent law enforcement in the State;
(x) one member shall represent emergency management services in the State;
(xi) one member shall represent 9–1–1 specialists;
(xii) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary of Disabilities and represent individuals with accessibility needs;
(xiii) one member shall represent the Emergency Communications Committee of the Maryland Association of Counties;
(xiv) one member shall represent directors of public safety answering points for Allegany County, Garrett County, and Washington County;
(xv) one member shall represent directors of public safety answering points for Calvert County, Charles County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and St. Mary’s County;
(xvi) one member shall represent directors of public safety answering points for Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County;
(xvii) one member shall represent directors of public safety answering points for Caroline County, Cecil County, Dorchester County, Kent County, Queen Anne’s County, Somerset County, Talbot County, Wicomico County, and Worcester County;
(xviii) one member shall represent the cybersecurity systems in the State, particularly in the field of emergency communication networks;
(xix) one member shall represent a county finance office in the State and be recommended by the Maryland Association of Counties;
(xx) one member shall represent the Maryland chapter of the National Emergency Numbers Association;
(xxi) one member shall represent the geographical information systems in the State; and
(xxii) two members shall represent the public.
(3) The Governor shall appoint the members with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(c) (1) The term of a member is 4 years and begins on July 1.
(2) The terms of the members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on October 1, 2003.
(3) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4) (i) If a vacancy occurs after a term has begun, the Governor shall appoint a successor to represent the organization or group in which the vacancy occurs.
(ii) The Board, in consultation with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, shall develop and establish procedures for:
1. filling a vacancy as soon as practicable after the vacancy occurs; and
2. ensuring candidates for filling a vacancy have appropriate expertise and a commitment to improving 9–1–1 services in the State.
(5) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(d) From among its members, the Board shall elect a chair and vice chair.
(e) (1) The Board shall meet as necessary, but at least once each quarter.
(2) For purposes of the Open Meetings Act, a project site visit or educational field tour may not be considered a meeting of the Board if no organizational business is conducted.
(f) A member of the Board:
(1) may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but
(2) is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(g) The Secretary shall provide staff to the Board, including:
(1) a coordinator who is responsible for the daily operation of the office of the Board; and
(2) staff to handle the increased duties related to enhanced 9–1–1 service.