Bill would make battery energy storage owners pay for first‑responder training and equipment

Delegate Jay Jacobs told the committee HB 14 59 seeks to get ahead of rapidly expanding battery energy storage deployment by requiring owners or operators to fund fire suppression training and certain specialized equipment for fire departments in a facility's first‑due area, with the State Fire Marshal responsible for administration and enforcement.

"BESS incidents can present unique challenges for host communities and first responders," Jacobs said, citing thermal runaway, difficult suppression dynamics and toxic emissions that may persist or reignite hours after an incident.

Joel McCray, past president of the Maryland State Firefighters Association, described the training gap for lithium‑ion battery incidents and urged a favorable report: "These systems have high voltage and high current levels, which pose significant electric shock risk to our first responders." County commissioners and volunteer fire leaders also supported the bill.

Sponsors said the bill targets owner/operator responsibility rather than shifting costs to local governments; multiple members asked about setbacks, environmental remediation and whether statewide standards should be set. Witnesses and county representatives said much of the implementation would involve the State Fire Marshal and NFPA 855 standards, and that specific setback and equipment requirements may need local review depending on geography and facility configuration.

The committee heard favorable testimony from fire service leaders, county officials and developers who said targeted exemptions and clarifying amendments could be used to address rural/urban differences.

What's next: Sponsors anticipate technical amendments to define equipment lists, first‑due areas and regulatory roles for the fire marshal and local jurisdictions.