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Dear Friends,
The fifth week of the 447th Legislative Session has been filled with a number of controversial bills with hearings continued for many of the 1010 bills introduced in the Senate and 1,491 bills introduced in the House of Delegates.
On February 5th, Governor Moore gave his State of the State Address, where he addressed the nearly $3 billion deficit, warning that it could raise to over $7 billion if unchecked spending continues. However, the State of Maryland is already underachieving, and Marylanders are struggling with rising energy costs, higher prices, and financial strain—not because of Governor Hogan or the Trump Administration, but due to expensive, unfunded policies and overregulation pushed by the Democratic Supermajority.
During his State of the State Address, Governor Moore proposed a $550 million increase in K-12 school funding, a move that could further strain an already tight budget. He also introduced incentives to recruit out-of-state educators, including debt-free pathways to becoming a teacher and a $2,000 moving grant. Meanwhile, Democratic public safety policies remain weak on crime, and declining respect for law enforcement continues to undermine safety in the state.
The biggest omission from Governor Moore’s hour-long speech was the high cost of living—particularly soaring utility bills. Despite Marylanders being crushed by skyrocketing energy costs, the Governor failed to address the state’s ongoing energy crisis. The significant rate increases stem from legislation passed by Democrats in 2024, and as they now attempt to revise their own policies, they are merely cleaning up after themselves. With distribution charges surging and energy production falling short, one key question remains—why aren’t we reopening the coal-fired plants?
Senate Republican Caucus's Thoughts on Reducing the Deficit without Raising Taxes:
- Eliminate thousands of funded, vacant positions
- Slow down the implementation of Kirwan
- Cut the Red Line Study
- Cut grants for electric buses
- Cut funds allocated for lawsuits against the Trump Administration
- Eliminate the $2 billion/year payroll tax for the Family and Medical Leave Program
- Stop passing unfunded mandates
- Hold departments accountable for financial mismanagement
If Maryland is to thrive, it must abandon the cycle of government overreach and fiscal irresponsibility. A prosperous future is possible—not through bigger government, but through policies that promote economic freedom, accountability, and real opportunities for Marylanders.
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With the legislative session well underway, committees are in full swing, holding numerous hearings on key issues that impact our communities. Lawmakers are carefully reviewing proposals, listening to expert testimony, and considering public input to shape policies that best serve Marylanders.
Below are just a few of the controversial bills that were introduced this week:
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Energy
House Bill 398 - Abundant Affordable Clean Energy - Procurement and Development (AACE Act) was heard on February 6th in the House of Delegates' Economic Matters Committee, while the Senate cross-file, Senate Bill 316, will be heard on February 13th in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee.
This legislation aims to require energy companies to justify rate increases to the Public Service Commission (PSC). While Republicans support measures to address rising energy costs, they advocate for adjustments to state climate goals that prioritize affordability, safety, and consumer choice.
Key Provisions of the AACE Act:
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Alternative Compliance Payments: Electricity suppliers failing to meet renewable energy standards must pay compliance fees, which will be refunded or credited to consumers.
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Solar Incentives: Establishes programs to expand solar energy development.
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Energy Storage Procurement: Directs the PSC to procure energy storage devices to improve grid reliability.
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Procurement Adjustments: Expands state procurement authority for large-scale energy projects.
The Office of the People's Counsel highlighted that STRIDE (Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement) has been a major driver of distribution rate increases, accounting for an estimated 40-50% of current costs, with 30% of the current rate allegedly tied directly to STRIDE. This bill seeks to ensure that energy companies justify their spending to prevent unnecessary costs for consumers and to stop the potential practice of pre-charging customers for expensive upgrades—only to later add interest to their bills.
The House of Delegates' Economic Matters Committee also heard House Bill 419 - Natural Gas Strategic Infrastructure Development and Enhancement (Ratepayer Protection Act) this week. This bill amends natural gas infrastructure policies by requiring PSC evaluations of public safety, reliability, and cost-effectiveness while ensuring that projects align with state climate goals.
These bills highlight the ongoing debate between energy affordability and climate policy, with Republicans pushing for consumer protections and fiscal accountability while ensuring Maryland’s energy future remains
If you are struggling with your energy bill, below are resources that may be able to assist:
Whole Home Energy and repair Grants
Empower Maryland Grant
Energy Assistance Application
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Housing
On Thursday, February 6th, my primary-sponsored legislation, Senate Bill 489 - Criminal Law - Fraud - Possession of Residential Real Property was heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. This bill aims to combat fraudulent possession of residential property by protecting homeowners from squatters and fraudulent leases by streamlining the eviction process and enforcing stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Recognizing that this is a nationwide issue, several Squatter’s Bills have been introduced this session, including legislation by my colleague, Delegate Ryan Nawrocki, who is leading efforts on this issue in the House of Delegates.
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Local Heroes Protection:
Senate Bill 502 - Property Tax- Credit for Law Enforcement Officer of Rescue Worker- Expansion of Judicial Officer, for which I am a co-sponsor, was heard in Budget and Taxation on February 5th. This bill expands the current property tax credit to also include judicial officers, surviving spouses, or cohabitants.
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Health & Safety:
Senate Bill 357 - Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority for Upper Payment Limits (Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for All Marylanders Now Act) requires the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to establish upper payment limits for certain drugs deemed unaffordable, allowing adjustments for shortages, and modifying related requirements.
Senate Bill 387 - Correctional Services- Transfers to Federal Authorities- Undocumented Immigrants (Protecting Marylanders from Violent Offenders Act of 2025) mandates that a state or local correctional facility holding an undocumented immigrant convicted of a crime must, upon request from the United States Department of Homeland Security, transfer the individual to the Department under specified conditions.
Senate Bill 432 - Criminal Records- Expungement and Maryland Judiciary Case Search (Expungement Reform Act of 2025) by Governor Moore's request, revises Maryland's expungement laws by redefining "completion of sentence" to include probation, parole, or supervision. The bill also expands eligibility for misdemeanor expungements, requires courts to consider restitution payments, and restricts Maryland Judiciary Case Search from displaying certain pardoned convictions.
Senate Bill 398 - Criminal Procedure - Automated Expungement aims to repeal a certain provision of law requiring the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to expunge certain cases involving charges of possession of cannabis on or before a certain date and establishes procedures for the automated.
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Protective Headgear
Senate Bill 397 - Motorcycles- Protective Headgear Requirement - Exception (In Remembrance of Gary Pappy Boward) seeks to amend Maryland’s current motorcycle helmet law. Under this bill, motorcyclists over the age of 21 with at least two years of riding experience would be permitted to ride without a helmet.
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Bills on the Move:
If a bill is voted favorably out of committee, it moves to the Senate chamber in the form it was voted on, including any amendments. The Senate can choose to reject the bill, amend it by modifying its language or co-sponsors, or approve it as is. If the bill passes by majority vote, it proceeds to the appropriate committee in the House of Delegates for a similar review. Once both chambers agree on the final version, the bill is passed and sent to the governor for final consideration. (This process also applies if the bill originates in the House of Delegates.)
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Senate Bill 11 - Organized Retail Theft Act of 2025 unanimously passed the Senate this week and has moved to the House of Delegates' Judiciary Committee for consideration. This bill addresses the issue of organized retail theft in Maryland; allowing for multiple thefts committed by the same individual across different counties, under a single scheme or ongoing conduct, to be consolidated and prosecuted in any county where any of the thefts occurred.
Additionally, Senate Bill 11 prohibits individuals from committing a series of thefts from retail merchants over a 90-day period with a combined value exceeding $1,500.
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LEAD Maryland Foundation
This week, I had the honor of speaking to the LEAD Maryland Foundation Fellows in Annapolis and introducing them on the Senate Floor! As a LEAD Maryland alum, I deeply appreciate the program's unique impact. I had the opportunity to meet with this year’s 23 Fellows, who represent diverse fields such as farming, development, and resource management.
Throughout their two-year fellowship, LEAD Fellows will complete over 40 days of intensive training through multi-day seminars held across Maryland and Washington, D.C.
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Maryland Farm Bureau visits Annapolis
As a former 4-H member, co-owner of a feed and supply store, and current farm owner in Joppa, Maryland, I deeply appreciate the Maryland Farm Bureau’s efforts to advance agriculture in our state.
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Boordy Vineyards & DeFord Family Inducted into the Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame!
On Thursday, February 6th, Boordy Vineyards and the DeFord family were inducted into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame. Founded in 1945 by Phillip and Jocelyn Wagner, Boordy Vineyards has been a cornerstone of Maryland’s winemaking tradition. Under the leadership of Rob DeFord III, the vineyard has undergone significant expansion, including revitalized buildings and increased public access.
With generations of farming history in Maryland, the DeFord family becomes the 56th inductee into the Governor’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, recognizing their lasting contributions to the state’s agricultural heritage.
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This week marks a significant milestone for Baltimore County with the unveiling of the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild design, which aims to improve transportation efficiency and reduce trucking costs. Less than a year after the heartbreaking loss of six Marylanders, this project symbolizes resilience, safety, and economic recovery. State and federal leaders gathered to emphasize the bridge's importance to both Maryland and national commerce. With the demolition of the old bridge now underway, reconstruction will follow, incorporating modern engineering to enhance durability and efficiency. Thanks to the collaboration between Maryland's Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and local stakeholders, the project is on track to restore full connectivity.
In an interview with the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday, I stated, “The unveiling of the new Key Bridge design is a major step forward in rebuilding stronger and smarter for long-term recovery. The bridge is more than just steel and concrete; it represents Maryland’s commitment to progress, safety, and economic vitality.”
Additionally, Senate Bill 119 - Maryland Transportation Authority - Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge - Naming was heard this week in the Senate Finance Committee. This bill would guarantee that the new bridge rebuild would be named the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge.
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Chimes Visits Annapolis
This week, I met with representatives from Chimes - a not-for-profit organization that assists people with intellectual and behavioral challenges - to discuss the impact of the proposed budget cuts.
"The Governor's budget as proposed represents a 22% overall cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the larger intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) community for FY26. Thousands of Maryland residents rely on these services through DDA as do numerous provider organizations like Chimes to serve our clients.
The proposed cuts would impact the hours available for support staff, reduce funding for those individuals across 5 counties in Maryland, and potentially push some individuals out of receiving care all together with the elimination of the state-only funded waiver," said Chelsey Ewers, Director of Government and Community Relations.
I firmly stand behind our most vulnerable population in Maryland and look forward to seeing the results of our consistent effort to fight against the proposed cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
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Letter sent from the Comptroller of Maryland, regarding 1099-G Form:
We are writing to let you know that we have identified a printer malfunction that led to a number of incorrect 1099-G tax forms being sent out this week. There was no external data breach; this was an internal issue. Impacted individuals will receive their updated 1099-G forms and instructions via mail within the next few days. They can also download a duplicate form at our General Accounting Division Online Service Center. We have asked that any individual who received an incorrect 1099-G form destroy the document immediately.
If you received an incorrect 1099-G form, please Log On to GAD's Online Service Center and download a new form. If you have issues, please reach out directly to your state legislators, which can be found here: Members - Find My Representatives.
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IN THE DISTRICT:
Legislative District 7 Baltimore & Harford Counties
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Senatorial Scholarship
My 2025 7th Legislative District Senatorial Scholarship is NOW OPEN! 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.
To apply, please visit: My Scholarship Portal
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District 7 Night
in Annapolis!
Monday, March 24, 2025
6:00pm-8:00pm
11 Bladen Street Miller Senate Office
Building East I & II
Annapolis, MD 21401
I look forward to seeing you in Annapolis!
This event is open to the public and free for all! Refreshments to be served.
RSVP Requested: jb.jennings@senate.state.md.us
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On the early morning hours of February 6th, a large sinkhole appeared on Joppa Road, near Walther Boulevard.
Interestingly, just a year ago, Joppa Road was repaired between Magledt Road and Walther Boulevard, with the sinkhole occurring only half a mile further down the road.
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Amtrak Wants Your Feedback! | |
Change of Responsibility & Retirement Ceremony | This week, Rebecca, from my staff attended the heartfelt Change of Responsibility and Retirement Ceremony for Command Sergeant Major Michael R. Conaty at Aberdeen Proving Ground. He was honored for his steadfast mentorship, wisdom, exceptional leadership, and unwavering dedication to supporting soldiers. His professionalism set a high standard for those who served alongside him. His wife was also recognized for her selfless dedication and unwavering support as an Army spouse, exemplifying the strength and commitment of military families. | |
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Harford County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit for their dedication and service in responding to the tragic plane crash in the Potomac River on January 29th. Their efforts, along with the broader emergency response team, exemplify the commitment and bravery of those who serve our communities in times of crisis. This heartbreaking incident, which claimed 67 lives, has deeply affected our nation. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones mourning this loss, and my thoughts and prayers remain with them during this difficult time. | |
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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, especially as this Legislative Session becomes increasing more involved.
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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