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Dear Neighbors,
As we conclude the eleventh week of the 447th Legislative Session, we are now entering the final stretch. Crossover Day saw the passage of 1,079 bills between the chambers. The Maryland General Assembly—the oldest continuously operating legislative body in the United States—remains guided by the Maryland Constitution, adopted in 1776 under the leadership of then-Assembly President Matthew Tilghman.
Before becoming the Maryland General Assembly, the legislature existed in various forms, including the Proprietary Assembly, composed of the Governor and Council, and the Freemen's Assembly, a broader legislative body. Over time, it was also known as the Commonwealth Assembly and the Royal Assembly. The Commonwealth Assembly played a key role in shaping laws for the public good, working in coordination with counties and special taxing districts. A major political shift occurred during the Protestant Convention of 1689, after the rise of William and Mary, leading to the establishment of the Royal Assembly. Between 1692 and 1715, that body enacted 85 laws in a single session—including the important switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.
As of this week, the House of Delegates retains possession of the Budget Bill. When the budget originates in the House, it must pass through two key committees: the Appropriations Committee, which allocates funding to Local Bond Initiatives (LBIs) and government programs, and the Ways and Means Committee, which identifies revenue sources through taxation and other means. Once the House of Delegates finalize their version of the budget, we will have a clearer picture of the final budget. With just 16 days remaining in the session, time is of the essence.
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Energy Sources: Coal & Nuclear
Constituents have reached out regarding nuclear and coal power.
Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center is contracted to operate until at least 2036, with the potential for an extension beyond that. The facility is currently working to secure a third unit. Last year, Calvert Cliffs supplied 40% of Maryland’s total energy consumption.
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Case No. 9748–Baltimore Gas and Electric’s CPCN application for the Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Project (transmission lines) in Harford, Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties. PUBLIC Comment Hearing: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. North Harford High School (Auditorium)
211 Pylesville Road Pylesville (Harford County).
The deadline to send in written comments: May 1, 2025. Public Hearings
Homepage - Maryland Public Service Commission
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Join Me for District Night on Monday, March 24
I look forward to seeing you in Annapolis! This event is open to the public and free for all! Refreshments to be served.
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First Citizen Award
Congratulations to Theresa Hope-Goddard, Chief of Staff of the Maryland Republican Senate Caucus, on receiving the prestigious First Citizen Award.
Nominated by Senate President William C. Ferguson, Theresa was honored for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to making government more effective and beneficial for all Marylanders.
Week after week, she works tirelessly to ensure the Republican Caucus has accurate, up-to-date information on the critical issues facing our state. Her efforts have broken down barriers and provided steady guidance to the Caucus. Known for her deep knowledge and warm camaraderie, Theresa’s leadership has earned widespread respect. With over 30 years of dedicated service, she is recognized as a pillar of institutional knowledge.
Upon accepting the award, Theresa expressed both surprise and gratitude, noting that she is typically behind the scenes planning such events rather than being in the spotlight. This well-deserved recognition is a testament to her lasting impact and legacy.
Watch the Floor Action Here.
| | | Senate Bills on the move to the House of Delegates: | | |
Technology:
Senate Bill 655 - Courts - Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program unanimously passed the Senate. This bill establishes an Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program within the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The program aims to provide expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) to Maryland's circuit and district courts by offering expert testimony on the authenticity of electronic evidence that may have been created or altered using AI.
Senate Bill 867 - Cyber Maryland Program - Revisions unanimously passed the Senate. The bill restructures the Cyber Maryland Program by transferring it, along with the Cyber Maryland Fund and Cyber Maryland Board, from the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) to the Maryland Department of Labor. It also expands the program’s mission to include developing, promoting, supporting, and investing in workforce improvement strategies. This includes leveraging models like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Talent Pipeline Management to strengthen Maryland’s cybersecurity workforce.
Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the program will administer competitive grants and contracts for IT and operational technology initiatives. Funding allocations include up to $99,000 for talent pipeline management, $1 million for cybersecurity clinics, $500,000 for service-based learning programs, and $500,000 to support veterans transitioning into cybersecurity careers.
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Baltimore County Bills: (Passed the Senate)
I was the only Baltimore County Senator to vote against Senate Bill 338 - Baltimore County- Speed Monitoring Systems- Interstate 695 and Interstate 83 passed the Senate (33-10). This bill adds speed cameras on I-83 and I-695 in Baltimore County. However, the issue is twofold. First, speed cameras tend to create only temporary behavioral changes, often leading to bottleneck traffic as drivers abruptly slow down, only to resume previous speeds shortly after. Second, laws like this appear to be an attempt to replace law enforcement officers (LEOs) with automated enforcement. No technology can truly substitute the critical role LEOs play in ensuring public safety.
Senate Bill 1030 - Baltimore County and Baltimore City - Vehicle Laws - Lighting on Privately Owned Vehicles unanimously passed the Senate. This bill permits up to five top-ranking officers from nonprofit volunteer emergency medical services (EMS) organizations in Baltimore County and Baltimore City, operating under a commercial ambulance service license, to equip their privately owned vehicles with red or red-and-white lights or signal devices. These lights may be used solely while responding to or operating at the scene of an emergency.
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Energy:
Senate Bill 425 - Environment - Coal Combustion By-Products - Fees, Coordinating Committee, and Regulations passed the Senate (35-11). This bill introduces several changes to the management of coal combustion by-products (CCBs) in Maryland, including a minimum fee increase of $2.30 per ton, updated regulatory requirements, and a revised fee structure. Additionally, it establishes a coordinating committee that will meet twice a year beginning in 2026 and report its findings to the Maryland General Assembly.
Senate Bill 37 - Electric Companies- Regional Transmission Organizations - Report (Utility Transparency and Accountability Act) unanimously passed the Senate. This bill requires that an electric company submit an annual report to the Public Service Commission by February 1. The report must include a record of each vote cast by the electric company and its affiliates at any regional transmission organization meeting.
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Senate Bill 399 - Natural resources - Wildland Areas - Overhead Transmission Lines passed the Senate (42-4). This bill exempts certain areas of the Big Savage Mountain Wildland, Bear Pen Wildland, and Dan's Mountain Wildland from their current wildland designations, contingent upon obtaining a certificate of public convenience and necessity for constructing an overhead transmission line. The bill aims to balance infrastructure development with environmental protection by allowing specific transmission projects while enforcing measures to minimize their ecological impact.
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Vehicles:
Senate Bill 771 - Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Programs - Insurance and Liability unanimously passed the Senate. This bill eliminates provisions permitting secondary insurance coverage for shared vehicle drivers, adjusts liability insurance requirements, and clarifies that the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund is not obligated to cover shared vehicles that are not replacements. It also mandates adherence to higher out-of-state insurance limits when applicable and removes certain restrictions on insurers regarding shared vehicle policies. Additionally, the bill allows peer-to-peer programs to transfer liability for tolls, fees, and fines while excluding them from the definition of "owner" for traffic citations.
Senate Bill 834 - Vehicle Laws - Manufacturers and Dealers - Prices Listed on Dealer Websites unanimously passed the Senate. Senate Bill 834 regulates the interactions between vehicle manufacturers, distributors, factory branches, and dealers concerning pricing information on dealer websites. Specifically, the bill prohibits manufacturers, distributors, or factory branches from taking adverse actions against dealers who disclose on their websites that the advertised price of a vehicle is the manufacturer's minimum allowable advertised price, and that the dealer may offer a lower price for the vehicle. Additionally, the bill clarifies that manufacturers, distributors, or factory branches may require all dealers to include freight or dealer processing charges in the prices listed on their websites.
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Housing:
Senate Bill 154 - Access to Counsel in Evictions - Task Force and Special Fund passed the Senate (35-11). This bill extends the annual $14 million distribution from Maryland's Abandoned Property Fund to the Access to Counsel in Evictions (ACE) Special Fund beyond fiscal year 2027. This extension guarantees ongoing funding for the Maryland Legal Services Corporation to provide legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction.
Senate Bill 689 - Financial Institutions - Conventional Home Mortgage Loans - Assumption and Required Disclosures unanimously passed the Senate. This bill requires banking institutions, credit unions, and mortgage lenders to include a provision in all conventional home mortgage loans that allows an existing borrower to assume the mortgage interest rate of another borrower in the event of an absolute divorce, as long as the assuming borrower qualifies for the loan. The goal is to ease property ownership transitions during divorce proceedings without the additional burden of refinancing. Lenders must disclose this assumption option in writing to loan applicants before they complete the loan application.
Senate Bill 680 - Real Estate Commission - Continuing Education Requirements - Alterations unanimously passed in the Senate. This bill modifies the continuing education requirements for renewing licenses for real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons. It specifically adjusts the required clock hours, course topics, instructor selection process, and course application fees.
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Senate Bill 488 - Manufacturing Business Personal Property Tax - Exemption unanimously passed in the Senate and now moves to the House of Delegates for consideration. Senate Bill 488 allows the Mayor and City Council or the county or municipality to exempt small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses with 50 or fewer employees from local property taxes, including special taxing district taxes, on personal property and manufacturing inventory.
As a proud sponsor, I believe investing in small businesses is vital to our economy. Small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities. Tax incentives will ease financial burdens, enabling growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity for Maryland. With this bill, we hope to secure businesses ensures a strong and resilient future for our state.
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Senate Bill 205 - Human Services - Adult Protective Services unanimously passed the Senate. This bill improves the effectiveness of adult protective services by clarifying that existing confidentiality provisions do not prevent the disclosure of information for adult protective services investigations. It also expands the definition of "health practitioner" to include certain emergency medical services providers, thus broadening the group of mandatory reporters for suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Furthermore, the bill allows mandated reporters to meet their reporting obligations by calling a statewide reporting hotline.
Senate Bill 466 - Vulnerable and Senior Adults - Theft of Property by Caregiver, Family Member, or Household Member - Prohibition unanimously passed the Senate. This bill aims to protect vulnerable and senior adults from financial exploitation by caregivers, family members, or household members. The bill prohibits these individuals from knowingly and willfully exerting unauthorized control over, and obtaining, the property of a vulnerable adult or an individual aged 68 or older, with the intent to deprive them of their property. Penalties for violations vary based on the value of the property involved, ranging from misdemeanors for property valued under $1,500 to felonies for property valued at $1,500 or more, with corresponding fines and imprisonment terms. Additionally, offenders are required to restore the property or its value to the victim or the victim's estate. The bill also stipulates that failure to fully restore the property disqualifies the offender from benefiting from the victim's estate, insurance proceeds, or property.
Senate Bill 376 - Health Facilities - Delegation of Inspection Authority - Nursing Homes unanimously passed the Senate. This bill requires the Maryland Secretary of Health to grant a county the authority to conduct site visits, surveys, and complaint investigations of nursing homes upon the county's request. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) must enter into a memorandum of understanding with the requesting county within 90 days. Each county shall model their memorandum of understanding after the framework currently used in Montgomery County, which has been in place since 2019.
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IN THE DISTRICT:
Legislative District 7: Baltimore & Harford Counties
| | | Congratulations Blue Ribbon Schools: | Congratulations to Saint Joseph's Catholic School and Chapel Hill Elementary School for earning Blue Ribbon status this year. This honor is bestowed upon schools that have high achievement and success in closing gaps. Congratulations to you and your students. | | | Tomorrow's Ice, Undefeated Champs! | Congratulations to Tomorrow's Ice on having an undefeated 2025 Season! It was great to see you in Annapolis and I'm so proud of my daughter's team and the hard work put in from her team and coaches. | | | Congratulations to Cowenton Liquors! | | | Harford Chamber of Commerce Scholarship | The Harford Chamber of Commerce is offering a Scholarship Opportunity in three categories: High School Seniors, Adults/Veterans, and Technology/Trade. The scholarship is due on April 4, 2025, so don't delay. For more information, CLICK HERE. | | | Congratulations Arrow of Light Recipients! | Baltimore County Cub Scout Troops have been so active this year, if you would like ot have your troop celebrated, please reach out to my office at jb.jennings@senate.state.md.us | | | Student Leaders in Annapolis! | One of my team members joined the Harford County Delegation to greet student leaders from Harford County Public Schools. The students had the opportunity to share their perspectives with lawmakers and advocate for the outcomes they hope to see. | | | |
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Senatorial Scholarship
My 2025 7th Legislative District Senatorial Scholarship is OPEN until April 1, 2025.
Students are eligible to apply who are preparing to attend, or already attending an undergraduate, graduate or professional program.
Confirm you live in Legislative District 7, by visiting: Maryland General Assembly's Website.
Make sure to fill out the FAFSA Form. If you have a unique major, that's not being taught in Maryland, you can use this form to complete your Unique Major Application. Unique Major Application 2025-2026
To apply, please visit: My Scholarship Portal
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National Agriculture Day
March 18th
Without farming and agriculture, we wouldn’t have the food on our tables, the clothes on our backs, or the staples we rely on for every celebration. I’m incredibly grateful to all of our farmers for the essential work they do every day, and to the Maryland Farm Bureau for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Maryland’s agricultural community.
Joining 4-H was one of the best decisions I ever made—hands down. It taught me valuable skills, created lasting memories, and most importantly, connected me with a community that continues to inspire me.
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As always, thank you for taking the time to read today's Annapolis Update and please stay tuned for future updates. I appreciate reading your responses and look forward to seeing those of you who intend to join us at District Night.
Sincerely,
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Senator J.B. Jennings
323 James Senate Office Building
11 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
jb.jennings@senate.state.md.us
(410) 841-3706
By Authority: Friends of J.B. Jennings, Lauren Fowler, Treasurer
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