In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Board” means the Statewide Interoperability Radio Control Board. “System” means the Statewide Public Safety Interoperability Radio System, also known as Maryland First (first responder interoperable radio system team), that provides interoperable radio communications to first responders in the State. “User” means a State, federal, county, or municipal agency that has established interoperability with the System and operates on the System as its primary means of daily radio communication.

There is a Statewide Interoperability Radio Control Board in the Department of Information Technology. The Board consists of the following members: the Secretary of Information Technology, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of State Police, or the Secretary’s designee; the Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary’s designee; the Director of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, or the Director’s designee; the State Interoperability Director; the Director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security, or the Director’s designee; and five members appointed by the Governor who represent local governmental entities that are either users of or contributors to the System. In selecting representatives of local governmental entities under subsection (b)(7) of this section, the Governor shall: appoint members who represent the interoperability regions of the State with expertise in public safety and communications issues relevant to varied locations; consult with the Maryland Association of Counties, the Maryland Municipal League, and appropriate local public safety organizations and professionals; and give primary consideration to State agencies and local governments that have adopted the System as a primary platform for their public safety communications needs. The term of a member appointed by the Governor is 4 years and shall begin on June 1. The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Board on June 1, 2014. At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. 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. 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. A member may be reappointed for a second 4–year term at the request of the Governor. The Secretary of Information Technology or the Secretary’s designee shall serve as the chair of the Board. The Board shall meet as necessary, but at least once each quarter. A member of the Board: may not receive compensation as a member of the Board; but is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget. The Department of Information Technology shall provide staff to the Board, including: a director of the Board who is responsible for the daily operation of the Board; and staff to handle the increased duties related to completion and maintenance of the System.

The Board shall coordinate the operation and maintenance of a Statewide Public Safety Interoperability Radio System. The Board’s responsibilities include: establishing standard operating procedures, quality of service standards, and maintenance guidelines for the System; establishing working groups of the System’s users, including: a System Managers Committee to advise on technical system issues, such as upgrades, security, and enhancements; and a System Users Committee to advise on operational issues, such as standard operating procedures, performance, and usage of resources; approving the addition of new System users and the removal of existing users; coordinating participatory, collaborative, or reciprocal relationships with local governments, including establishing procedures for: requests to become part of the System by local governmental entities; collaboration or sharing in the purchase, operation, or use of equipment or by the System infrastructure currently used by local governmental entities; and review and approval of any requests or arrangements sought under this item; resolving any conflicts among System users relating to the operation, maintenance, or improvement of the System that cannot be resolved under the standard operating procedures; reviewing the annual cost estimation provided by the Director of the Board; recommending to the Governor and the General Assembly funding and resource levels for System operation and maintenance; advising the Governor and General Assembly on resources needed for appropriate operation and expansion to meet service needs for public safety communications statewide; and negotiating agreements with federal agencies, surrounding states, or the District of Columbia for the use of the System. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Board shall continue to receive guidance and input from the bodies currently constituted under Executive Order 01.01.2008.07, including the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee (SIEC) for as long as the Executive Order is in effect.