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Dear Neighbor,
This week, we marked the mid-way point for the 447th Legislative Session. In about a week, we will see the last day to submit a new bill, without suspension of the rules committee. I’m proud to have introduced several bills this session and to have co-sponsored many others aimed at making Maryland a better place to live, work, and visit.
I've heard your pleas and am troubled by the situation Marylanders are facing with the energy crisis. No one should have to make the choices that are being forced upon them. Honestly, I can't promise miracles, but you can count on my unwavering commitment to genuine progress. The Maryland Senate Republican Caucus is leaving no stone unturned as we rigorously explore our options. While I don't want to create unrealistic expectations, we're working with top industry experts to craft targeted amendments to the energy bills currently in committee that will soon come before the Senate Floor, aiming to secure meaningful improvements in our energy rates. There's no simple fix, but with careful, deliberate effort, we're offering valuable insight into options that could provide relief for this issue, should the Democratic Leadership allow it.
In the meantime, I encourage you to file a complaint with the Public Service Commission, requesting a rehearing on Case Number 9692, and urging the Commission to reconsider its decision in favor of Maryland residents who cannot afford the rising distribution and EmPOWER costs. If you haven't yet been affected, please read: BGE customers testify about rate hikes at City Council hearing - The Baltimore Banner.
To make a public comment on these cases:
Case #9748 (Brandon Shores Mitigation Project)
Case #9778 (Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project)
visit: Homepage - Maryland Public Service Commission
Don't forget, the Town Hall for the Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Project is in April (April 9 at North Harford High School at 6:30 p.m. and April 23, at 6:30 p.m. at White Marsh Fire Hall)
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On the 40th day in February of each Legislative Session, nominations of each state and county office are delivered to the Senate for confirmation in a Green Bag, in accordance with Article II, section 13 of the Maryland Constitution. This practice has been in place since 1851, providing that "all civil officers, nominated by the governor and subject to the confirmation of the Senate, shall be nominated to the Senate within forty days from the commencement of each regular session of Legislature..." The "green bag" has English roots and was synonymous with "lawyer," due to the cloth color of the bag lawyers carried. For a list of appointments, see here: 2024/2025 Session Appointments
| Increasing Property Taxes - UPDATE | |
Director Phillips from Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation responded to the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus's joint letter to SDAT regarding the raise in property taxes. In Section 3, Director Phillips listed the following relief efforts for homeowners, in additional to local exemptions:
-Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program (income based)
-Homestead Property Tax Credit (limits taxable assessment increase
-Disabled Veterans’ Tax Exemption Program
Harford County: HCG - Senior Credit
Baltimore County: Homeowners Tax Credit Program | Baltimore County Government
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SENATE BILL 787 - RESERVE STUDIES | |
I am the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 787- Cooperative Housing Corporations and Condominiums Funding of Reserve accounts and Timing of Reserve Studies.
This bill seeks to provide greater flexibility by extending the reserve study interval from five to ten years, refining funding requirements to better accommodate fixed-income residents, and limiting the scope of reserve studies to repairs exceeding $10,000.
Additionally, Senate Bill 787 introduces key amendments, including repair cost deductions, the inclusion of utility and water lines in reserve studies, and the involvement of a broader range of licensed professionals to ensure more accurate cost assessments.
The bill has received strong support from Baltimore County Councilman David Marks, who emphasized the need to adjust existing mandates in response to rising costs for property owners.
Senate Bill 787 will be heard in the Judicial Proceedings Committee on Tuesday, February 25, at 1:00 PM. To listen, visit: Committees - Judicial Proceedings Committee
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BUDGET & TAXATION COMMITTEE | |
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On February 19th, Senate Bill 429: Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act was heard jointly by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee and the Senate Education, Energy, and Environment Committee. It repeals certain provisions related to the Interstate Agreement on Qualifications of Educational Personnel and modifies definitions and funding formulas for various education programs, including the target per-pupil foundation amount, collaborative time per pupil, and special education per-pupil allocations for future fiscal years.
It also broadens the funding base for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund by incorporating interest earnings from the Academic Excellence Fund. Additionally, it revises the Concentration of Poverty School Grant Program by freezing some funding increases and granting county boards greater flexibility in managing these funds under specific guidelines.
The bill further establishes and updates several initiatives, including the Collaborative Time Innovation Demonstration Grant, a national teacher recruitment campaign, the Maryland Teacher Relocation Incentive Grant, enhancements to school leadership training, and revised community school requirements. It also introduces new evaluation and accountability measures.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff acknowledged that Maryland cannot fully fund the Blueprint and indicated potential tax increases to address the shortfall in future years. Meanwhile, Maryland Senate Republicans have raised concerns that key academic performance indicators, such as test scores and graduation rates, have not shown improvement.
On February 14, 2025 the U.S. Department of Education sent a "Dear Colleague Letter," that, following Executive Order 14151, indicated schools would need to end racial preference within 14 days or risk losing federal funding for schools. A U.S. District Judge in Baltimore has blocked the action. We will see how this unfolds in the coming weeks and months.
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Developmental Disabilities Administration - UPDATE | |
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During a hearing before the Senate Budget and Taxation's Health and Human Services Subcommittee, the Maryland Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) stakeholders and advocates from the developmentally disabled community gathered to speak on behalf of individuals receiving DDA services.
As participants, caregivers, and advocates prepared to share their experiences, Deputy Secretary of the DDA, Marlana Hutchinson, confirmed that the administration will receive 94% of its funding for Fiscal Year 2025, which ends on June 30. However, the community faces an uphill battle regarding a proposed $457 million funding cut for Fiscal Year 2026, beginning July 1, 2025. The fight is far from over, and we stand together in this effort.
Earlier this week, I met with Deputy Secretary Hutchinson, who assured me, "We are not trying to find a dollar on the participants' backs," emphasizing that no one is being denied the services they truly need. The department highlighted its transition from a debit-style payment system to a credit-based model, which has improved purchasing levels and provided a clearer understanding of the true cost of services and participants' needs. Addressing concerns about fraud, she affirmed that the department is actively working to mitigate risks.
My office recently received the Findings and Recommendations of the Maryland Department of Health Related to the Expansion of Self-Directed Services as Required Under Section 1 of the Self-Direction Act of 2022. These findings, which were discussed at the January hearing, highlight key issues affecting both DDA staff and participants. I remain committed to advocating for solutions through ongoing communication and collaboration
I will continue to stand with my colleagues in fighting for our most vulnerable residents.
If you ever face challenges with state or local government programs, my office is here to advocate for the residents of Legislative District 7.
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EDUCATION, ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE | |
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Senate Bill 345: Pesticides - PFAS Chemicals - Prohibitions establishes rules for the use and registration of pesticides containing PFAS chemicals and requires the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to create and maintain a list of PFAS pesticides registered under the Maryland Pesticide Registration and Labeling Law. Additionally, beginning:
- June 1, 2026 - PFAS pesticides on the list cannot be used at certain locations or for specific activities, and MDA will notify certified applicators of these restrictions
- June 1, 2027 - MDA can no longer register PFAS pesticides for sale in the state
- June 1, 2028 - the use of PFAS pesticides will be banned in Maryland
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Senate Bill 783: Public Schools – Student Fights – School Investigation and Discipline requires principals or school administrators to investigate every student fight as well as prevents school staff from disciplining a student who used reasonable force to protect themselves or escape an attack. If a student is disciplined during the investigation but later found to have acted reasonably, the discipline record must be removed. I co-sponsored this bill because of it's ability to create safer schools and enable teachers and students to do what they are there to do. | |
I'm a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill 791: Public Schools - Career Ladder - Teacher Classroom Teaching Time which was heard earlier this week. This bill increases the amount of time teachers on levels one, two, or three of the career ladder must spend teaching in the classroom from 60% to 80%. The current law's eight-year phase-in period, starting on July 1, 2025, will remain the same.
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JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS COMMITTEE | |
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Senate Bill 943: Family and Law Enforcement Protection Act Legislation establishes a Task Force to Study the Use of Firearms in Domestic Violence as well as updates the requirements for surrendering firearms under a domestic violence protective order, mandating that respondents surrender any firearms to law enforcement and refrain from purchasing or possessing firearms for the duration of the order.
| Senate Bill 651: Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases and Holdover Tenancies - Local Good Cause Termination (Good Cause Eviction) allows counties to pass laws that prevent landlords from failing to renew leases or terminating holdover tenancies without good cause, applying to landlords with six or more residential units in the state. It does not apply to owner-occupied units. | |
Senate Bill 677: Human Relations - Discrimination in Housing - Income-Based Housing Subsidies prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to a prospective tenant using an income-based housing subsidy based on income, credit score, or adverse credit history, unless authorized by federal law. Such actions are considered discriminatory housing practices, enforceable by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR).
Additionally, landlords receiving government, quasi-government, or nonprofit funding for income-restricted units may still collect financial information if required by the funding conditions.
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Senate Bill 977: State and Local Agencies - Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law - Restrictions on Access to Information (Maryland Data Privacy Act) prohibits law enforcement agencies and state or local governments from entering into agreements with federal agencies to enforce immigration law, including sharing information or accessing databases and requires agencies to deny access to buildings or facilities for immigration enforcement purposes and to collect specific information from those seeking access.
Additionally, the Attorney General will enforce the bill and impose civil penalties, with state employees facing discipline, including termination, for violations.
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I'm the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 652: Local Government – Local Personnel – Leave With Pay. The bill expands the Time to Serve Act of 2024 to include local and municipal employees who meet specified criteria.
Currently, the law increases the number of paid military leave days from 15 to 30 per year for Maryland State employees serving in a Reserve Component of the uniformed services and who meet specific American Red Cross criteria.
This bill grants, but does not mandate, local governments the flexibility to approve paid leave based on their budgets and agreements. By extending eligibility to local and municipal employees, the bill ensures greater fairness among qualifying service members and reduces disparities between state employees and their local counterparts. This expansion will provide more opportunities for military service, career advancement, and professional development.
To view the testimony, click here: Committees - Media
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On Thursday, Senate Bill 614: Consumer Protection - Credit Reporting - Medical Debt (Fair Medical Debt Reporting Act) was heard in the Senate Finance Committee. This bill prevents consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in credit reports and prohibits using medical debt to determine creditworthiness.
It also stops health care providers and services from disclosing medical debt to consumer reporting agencies, requiring contracts with collection entities to include a provision against such disclosures. Contracts that do not include this provision are void.
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Senate Bill 576: Labor and Employment - - Mandatory Meetings on Religious or Political Matters - Employee Attendance and Participation (Maryland Worker Freedom Act) prohibits employers from taking adverse actions against employees or applicants who refuse to attend or participate in employer-sponsored religious or political meetings.
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| Current Law | The Bill | | Minimum WBA is $50 per week.
Maximum WBA is $430 per week.
There are no annual updates.
WBA approximates one twenty-fourth of
high-quarter wages in base period. | Minimum WBA is 15% of State AWW.
Maximum WBA must increase annually
from 2025 through 2027 to reach 50% of
AWW beginning in calendar 2028.
Amounts are updated July 1 each year.
WBA is one twenty-fourth of high quarter
wages in base period. | | Dependent allowance is $8, limit of five.
Cannot increase maximum WBA. | Dependent allowance is $25, limit of five.
Cannot increase maximum WBA. Annual
inflation adjustment. | | The first $50 in weekly wages is
disregarded for determining WBA. | The first $50 in weekly wages is
disregarded for determining WBA.
Annual inflation adjustment. | | Taxable wage base is $8,500. | Taxable wage base must increase annually
in 2026 and 2027 to reach 20% of AAW
beginning in calendar 2028. | | |
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Senate Bill 187: Drunk Driving – Commercial Driver’s Licenses – Disqualification From Driving unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House of Delegates for consideration. The bill strengthens public safety measures by targeting drunk driving among commercial drivers, requiring the Motor Vehicle Administration to disqualify individuals holding a commercial instructional permit or commercial driver’s license for one year if they operate or attempt to operate a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher.
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Chesapeake Bay Foundation Student Leadership Program Visits Annapolis!
Mia, a participant in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Student Leadership Program, visited my office this week to advocate for the foundation’s mission.
It’s inspiring to see local youth actively engaged in issues that matter both to them and to the state of Maryland!
Are you or your student interested in joining the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Student Leadership Program? For more information, visit: Student Leadership - Chesapeake Bay Foundation
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IN THE DISTRICT:
Legislative District 7 Baltimore & Harford Counties
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County Executive Kathy Klausmeier recently announced a new grant program with the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development designed to ease financial obstacles for companies looking to grow in Baltimore County.
The GROW incentive program provides funding—up to $80,000—for businesses signing their first commercial lease in Baltimore County to offset expenses that coincide with initial commercial lease activity.
An information session will be held on Wednesday, February 26 at 10 a.m. - 305 Washington Avenue, 5th floor, in Towson.
County Executive Klausmeier Announces New Workspace Grant Program | Baltimore County Government
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Congratulations, Baltimore County Councilman, David Marks!
Baltimore County Councilman, David Marks was awarded the Silver Beaver award from Baltimore Scouting! His service in honor of the Scouting movement has earned him the highest honor in the Scouting community.
Councilman David Marks has been an awesome support in the community. Congratulations, Friend.
If you're interested in getting involved with Baltimore Scouting, please see their website: Home - Baltimore Area Council
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Medstar Health: Cancer Center:
February is National Cancer Prevention Month!
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February is National Cancer Prevention Month, and MedStar Health is here to help in Baltimore County at Franklin Square!
MedStar Franklin Square’s oncology team is highly regarded, holding multiple accreditations and earning the trust of the community. Their nationally accredited Breast Center has maintained this prestigious designation for five consecutive years. Additionally, their rectal cancer program upholds the highest standards of care, making Franklin Square the only hospital in Maryland to receive a three-year accreditation from the American College of Surgeons.
At Franklin Square, specialists collaborate to develop comprehensive care plans that include cancer treatment, support services, radiation therapy, radiology, and imaging. Medstar Franklin Square also offers Cyberknife, an advanced technology that provides a non-invasive treatment option for patients who are ineligible for surgery due to other medical conditions or recurrent tumors.
If you’re focused on prevention, MedStar offers an online risk assessment to help you understand your personal risk factors. Early detection is key, and low-cost screenings are available. If medical insurance is a concern, visit the Maryland Department of Human Services to explore coverage options.
For more information, check out:
- Cancer Center – Franklin Square
- Nodule Program
- Colorectal Screening Program for Low-Income Patients – Maryland Department of Health
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown
Being proactive can make all the difference in the fight against cancer. Take charge of your health today!.
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ROAD CLOSURE ALERT
Beginning February 21, sections of Reynolds Road in Kingsville will be closed for emergency repairs.
The damage to the structure was found on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 20, during a routine inspection by engineering staff from the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT). Due to concerns about the bridge's structural integrity, DPWT has closed the road for public safety. The closure will remain until emergency repairs are completed. A detour route will be set up during the repair period.
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Harford County Public Library
On February 27, 2025, HCPL will be hosting Culinary Delights, Baltimore Style with Chef John Shields at the Abingdon Library from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Admission is free!
During this session, Chef John Shields and Library CEO, Mary Hastler will talk about the nuances of the Baltimore food scene, and the influence on food we love. Chef John has written several books on the cuisine of the Chesapeake Bay. Registration is recommended.
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Eden Mill Nature Center: Family Feed
On Tuesday, February 25, Eden Mill Nature Center will be hosting a fun family program. Stop by and help their naturalist feed their hungry reptiles and get an up close and personal encounter with Eden Mill's animal ambassadors!
Eden Mill Nature Center 1617 Eden Mill Road
Pylesville, MD 21132
February 25, 2025
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Pre-registration is required. https://www.edenmill.org.
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Descendants of the
Bush Declaration Signers:
The descendants of the Bush Declaration Signers are looking for fellow descendants. Family names include:
Anderson, Harris, Patterson, Archer, Holland, Prall, Bradford, Johnson, Rigdon, Brice, Lemmon, Scott, Calwell, Lytle/Little, Smith, Dallam, McComas, Smithson, Donahuy, Morgan, Taylor, Dorsey, Ward, Durham, Norris, Webb, Fisher, Paca, Whitaker, Hall, and Patrick.
Please call: 410.838.7691 or email: BushDeclaration1775@gmail.com or visit: www.bushdeclaration.org
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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. Fill out the FAFSA Form.
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
Google Form
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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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