Bill to create statewide nonemergency system seeks to lessen strain on 911 system

By: William J. Ford

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: February 11, 2026

Words: 832

Last Updated: 3 weeks ago

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Not every crisis is an emergency, which is why Del. Lesley Lopez (D-Montgomery) is calling for a statewide nonemergency 3-1-1 phone system, to answer people’s questions while decreasing the number of calls to 911.

“311 gives people a clear place to call for everyday, nonemergency needs, with questions about public services, permits, public health resources or local government programs,” Lopez said in testimony Tuesday to the House Government, Labor and Elections Committee.

“When residents …

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