Maryland House Bill HB1387

Maryland 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/22
• Refer: 2/15/22

Caption

Employees - Department of State Police - Emergency Dispatcher Classification

Impact

The bill proposes specific salary ranges for each dispatcher classification, integrating them into the state pay scale. It ensures that compensation levels are not only fair but also correspond to the experience and tenure of the emergency dispatchers. This restructuring aims to improve employee retention and morale by providing a clear pathway for career progression within the department, which should ultimately lead to a more efficient emergency response system in Maryland.

Summary

House Bill 1387 addresses the establishment of classifications for emergency dispatchers within the Maryland Department of State Police. The bill mandates the creation of various dispatcher roles, including Emergency Dispatcher Trainee, Emergency Dispatcher I through III, Supervisor, and Senior Supervisor. Each classification is designed to standardize employment structure and related requirements for emergency dispatchers across the department, emphasizing the critical nature of these roles in public safety and emergency response.

Contention

While the bill serves to formalize the classifications and compensation of emergency dispatchers, discussions may arise around how this impacts budgetary allocations within the state. Concerns could emerge from lawmakers or stakeholders about the financial implications of increasing salaries and whether the budget can accommodate these changes without compromising other essential services. Additionally, the requirement for background checks and substance abuse testing may raise questions about the hiring process and its implications for staffing levels and service delivery.