Counties Ask for Adjustments to Cybersecurity Training Bill (MD)

On March 1, 2022, Associate Policy Director Dominic Butchko submitted written testimony to the House Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 5 – State Government – State and Local Government Employees and Contractors – Cybersecurity Training with amendments. This bill preempts a county government’s decisions regarding cybersecurity training for employees. Amendments can bring the bill’s approach closer to a mutual framework for collaboration in order to advance the bill’s goals with more flexibility… READ MORE

Stock honored for 20 years service to Ottawa Central Dispatch (IL)

Grant R. Stock, LEAD telecommunicator and LEADS agency coordinator, was honored for his 20 years service with Ottawa Central Dispatch.

“In his 20 years with Ottawa Central, Grant has provided the most excellent service to all of the citizens we serve,” said Gregory A. Dodd, communications supervisor for Ottawa Central Dispatch. “Grant’s experience and skill set are invaluable to Ottawa Central Dispatch and we look forward to serving alongside him for many years to come… READ MORE

Burgett: NextGen 911 system will require some properties to be renumbered (PA)

The Next Generation 911 will be a positive change for the safety of McKean County residents, but there will be some growing pains getting there.

Some property owners in McKean County may have already received letters telling them the new system requires their property to be renumbered to comply with the standards of the National Emergency Numbering Association. More letters will be sent as properties are identified, said Nate Burgett, director of the county’s department of emergency services.

He acknowledged that this will cause a lot of frustration for folks, but said it’s necessary… READ MORE

County approves tech for JCC and sheriff’s office (NE)

Apiece of technology that has been vital in helping local law enforcement keep track of one another will be replaced after several years of service.

According to Columbus-Platte County Joint Communications Center (JCC) Communications Director Rachel Pensick, the technology in question is the automatic vehicle locator (AVL) system and mobile mapping. The tech allows law enforcement and the JCC to track an officer or deputy’s vehicle.

On Tuesday, the Platte County Board of Supervisors approved to replace AVLs and mobile mapping for both the JCC and the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. The technology has been around since 2015, Pensick said… READ MORE

Telecom Alert: Proposed NG911 Funding Plan; Pole Attachment Rulemaking; Georgia PSC Bill; Cybersecurity Advisory; ECF Funding [Vol. XIX, Issue 9]

Rosenworcel Proposes NG911 Funding Plan

Last week, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel gave a speech in which she proposed funding a portion of the transition to Next Generation 911 (“NG911”) services through proceeds from future spectrum auctions.  Chairwoman Rosenworcel suggested that the FCC should consider utilizing these funds in a similar manner to how the Commission funded FirstNet, which was established from revenue raised in the 700 MHz band auction in 2012.  Congress must extend the FCC’s authority to auction spectrum by September 30, 2022… READ MORE