Annapolis Update #8

UPCOMING HEARING ALERTS

Senate Bill 872 - Local Government – Hiring and Promotion Preferences for Veterans and Spouses of Service Members and Veterans (Families Serve Act) will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, March 5th.

This legislation authorizes Maryland counties and municipalities to enact local laws granting hiring and promotion preferences to eligible veterans, their spouses, and surviving spouses of deceased veterans.

Specifically, the bill permits local governments to provide a 10-point credit on selection tests for employment or appointment to:

• Eligible veterans
• Spouses of eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities
• Spouses of eligible service members
• Surviving spouses of deceased eligible veterans

The "Families Serve Act" aims to support veterans and their families by enhancing their employment opportunities within local government positions across Maryland.

If you would like to testify in support of this bill, please reach out, or CLICK HERE for more information. *Testimony must be submitted before 5pm on Monday, March 3rd.

A bill I proudly sponsored this year, Senate Bill 822 - Property Tax - Tax Credit for Nonprimary Residence is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee on Tuesday, March 4th.

This bill would offer a property tax credit for nonprimary residences (secondary homes) like cabins or beach condos, from the State, county, or municipality. By providing homeowners with a tax credit similar to the Homestead Tax Credit, which is offered for primary residences, we can encourage residents to remain in Maryland year-round with multiple properties, rather than losing them to states like Florida or Delaware.

Senate Bill 488 - Manufacturing Business Personal Property Tax - Exemption exempts the personal property, including manufacturing inventory, in the possession of a person engaged in a manufacturing business that is a small or medium-sized enterprise from county and municipal property tax, including any special taxing district property tax. 

As a proud sponsor of this bill, I believe investing in small businesses is essential for our economy. Small businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. Offering tax incentives will help ease financial burdens, allowing these businesses to grow, hire more employees, and contribute to Maryland's prosperity. Supporting small businesses ensures a vibrant and resilient future for our state.

COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS

Budget & Taxation Committee:

State Deficit? END Unrestricted Hiring

Education, Energy and Environment Committee:

A concerning piece of legislation that will impact the long-term planning of local governments is being heard in the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee next week. This is why I am in opposition to Senate Bill 931, Public Utilities- Generating Stations- Generation and Siting (Renewable Energy Certainty Act):

Senate Bill 931 would conduct a hearing with the county where generation stations, overhead transmission line or qualified generator lead line is proposed to be located, but does not require the State to yield to the needs and desires of the community and enables the State to abandon well-developed plans, thus disrupting the local economy, creating tension within local and state relationships and disregarding plans that zoning and regulatory committees have worked tirelessly to create for the community. At a time when many rural constituents are struggling to get onboard with the energy goals of the current state administration, this bill will not be well-received within the rural communities.

Senate Bill 779 - Climate Solutions Now Act Affordability Act of 2025 was introduced on Thursday, February 27th. This bill adds the language ''to the extent economically practical' to the 2022 Climate Solutions Now Act. Meaning, that it needs to be done in a cost-effective way that's meaningful and feasible. This legislation has been identified as a key driver of positive change for the benefit of Marylanders.

Senate Bill 479 - Building Energy Performance Standards - Public Safety, Emergency, and Public Utility Buildings - Exclusion has been identified as a way to save taxpayer money. This bill proposes amendments to Maryland's Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) by excluding certain types of buildings from the definition of "covered buildings." Specifically, the exclusions apply to public buildings used for public safety, emergency storm shelters, and public utility buildings. By redefining "covered buildings," these facilities would be exempt from the state’s energy performance standards.

Allow felons to vote? Senate Bill 647 - Election Law - Incarcerated Individuals - Voter Hotline and Voting Eligibility (Voting Rights for All Act) repeals current State law to allow convicted felons currently serving their sentence to vote. It also mandates that the State Board of Elections establish a toll-free voter hotline for incarcerated individuals.

If passed, Senate Bill 733 - Constitutional Officers - Gender-Neutral Language (1) alters terminology in the Maryland Constitution so that references to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, and Adjutant General are gender neutral and (2) makes conforming changes. 

Finance

Senate Bill 844 - Maryland Self-Service Storage Act - Sale of Personal Property in Satisfaction of Lien - Notice Requirements proposes amendments to the Maryland Self-Service Storage Act concerning the enforcement of liens on personal property stored in self-service storage facilities.

The bill mandates that operators must notify occupants of a pending sale of their stored property due to default by hand delivery, verified mail, or electronic mail at least 10 days before the sale. If notification is sent via electronic mail and no response or confirmation of delivery is received at least 5 days before the sale, a second notice must be sent by verified mail to the occupant's last known postal address. Additionally, operators are required to advertise the sale at least 3 days prior, either in a local newspaper, by electronic mail, or on an online website.

These measures aim to enhance communication and ensure occupants are adequately informed before the sale of their property.

Senate Bill 760 - Better Small Business Employee Benefit Act of 2025 was heard this week. This bill allows small businesses to buy large group health insurance through professional employer organizations (PEOs) or similar entities, without following the Maryland Health Insurance Reform Act's small group requirements or rules for the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. 

Senate Bill 975 - Health Insurance - Coverage for Specialty Drugs was introduced this week. This bill prohibits health insurance carriers from excluding coverage for specialty drugs provided by a provider. If the coverage applies, the reimbursement rate must be agreed upon between the carrier and the in-network provider and billed at a non-hospital care level. The bill does not prevent carriers from denying coverage if the drug doesn't meet medical necessity criteria.

Judicial Proceedings

Senate Bill 709 - Criminal Law - Masked Intimidation - Prohibition (Unmask Hate Act) was heard this week. This bill makes it illegal for someone to intentionally harass, intimidate, or threaten another person while hiding their face. A person who breaks this law can be charged with a misdemeanor. For a first offense, they could face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both. For repeat offenses, the punishment could be up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000, or both.

Senate Bill 889 - Criminal Law - Distribution of Students' Personal Information Prohibition makes it illegal to intentionally share a student's personal information or image without their permission (or the permission of a parent or guardian if the student is under 18) if it is done with the intent or knowledge that it could harm the student. Violators could face up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000.

Senate Bill 739 - Domestic Violence - Warrantless Arrests and Victims will allow a police officer to arrest someone without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe the person has battered another individual with whom they have had a sexual relationship in the past year.

VOTED DOWN - NO CONDOMS IN SCHOOLS!

House Bill 380 - Criminal Law - Prohibition on Sale of Contraceptives and Contraceptive Devices by Vending Machine in School - Repeal was VOTED DOWN in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. I'm not sure how this bill passed the House of Delegates, but I believe there is no need for contraceptives (medications or condoms) to be provided or sold in schools, as that is a decision best left to individuals and families.

BILLS ON THE MOVE

Senate Bill 184- Charitable Organizations - Late Fees and Registration - Suspension and Cancellation Requirements seeks to amend regulations concerning charitable organizations. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to suspend or waive late filing fees for charitable organizations under specific circumstances and to establish related regulations. It also stipulates that such late fees should not be considered delinquent debts requiring referral to the Central Collection Unit for collection purposes. Furthermore, the bill outlines procedures for the cancellation and reinstatement of a charitable organization's registration if they fail to submit required reports over a three-year period. This legislation aims to provide flexibility in enforcement actions, allowing the Secretary of State to work collaboratively with charitable organizations to achieve compliance without imposing undue financial burdens.

Senate Bill 548 - Family Law - Child Custody - Determinations aims to provide courts with specific factors to consider when determining legal and physical custody in child custody proceedings. Additionally, it authorizes courts to modify existing child custody or visitation orders if there has been a material change in circumstances affecting the child's needs or the parents' ability to meet those needs, provided that such modifications are in the best interests of the child. This bill unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 37 - Electric Companies - Regional Transmission Organizations - Report- Utility Transparency and Accountability Act unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House of Delegates for consideration. This bill mandates that, by February 1 each year, all electric companies—excluding municipal electric utilities—submit a report to the Public Service Commission (PSC). This report must detail all recorded votes cast by the company or its affiliates at meetings of regional transmission organizations (RTOs), irrespective of whether these votes are publicly disclosed elsewhere. ​This should increase transparency and ensure that utility actions align with public interests.

Senate Bill 7 - Department of Transportation – Human Trafficking Awareness, Training, and Response (See Someone, Save Someone Act) will come to a vote on the Senate Floor on Monday. ​The "See Someone, Save Someone Act" is a legislative proposal in Maryland aimed at combating human trafficking through enhanced awareness and training within the transportation sector.

The act mandates the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to develop and implement a comprehensive training program for employees working in transit stations, airports, port facilities, highway rest stops, and those providing transit services. This program focuses on educating staff to identify and report suspected human trafficking incidents effectively.

This initiative reflects Maryland's strategic efforts to leverage its transportation infrastructure in the fight against human trafficking, recognizing the state's position as a transit hub that traffickers may exploit.

Senate Bill 444 - Public Safety - Gun Buyback Programs - Destruction of Firearms establishes mandatory guidelines for gun buyback programs, requiring that all firearms surrendered, along with their components, be permanently destroyed to ensure they are inoperable and unrepairable. It allows program operators to collaborate with law enforcement agencies or businesses for firearm destruction while mandating that law enforcement verify whether a firearm is stolen or linked to a crime before destruction.

The Secretary of State Police is authorized to revoke the dealer’s license of any entity violating these provisions. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 33-12. I voted against it, and it has now moved to the House of Delegates for consideration.

IN THE DISTRICT:

Legislative District 7 Baltimore & Harford Counties

BALTIMORE COUNTY:

Rocket Lab

Earlier this week, Rocket Lab, located in Middle River, stopped by the office.

It is inspiring to learn about the innovative work happening locally and to see the advancements Rocket Lab continues to make.

Middle River has a proud legacy as a center for aviation and space exploration, and I am honored to represent Maryland and support its continued leadership in these fields.

Long Green Volunteer Fire Department

Long Green Volunteer Fire Department announced Medic #385 that was put into service on February 25, 2025. This milestone is a testament to the Company's dedication, hard work and commitment to providing top tier medical care to Baltimore County and the State of Maryland.

Congratulations, Long Green Volunteer Fire Department on 95 years of dedicated service. If you'd like to join this team, email: Hire@lgvfc.com

Arrow of Light Award, Cub Pack 247

Last week, Rebecca from my office had the privilege of visiting Cub Scout Pack 247 to celebrate the Arrow of Light Award. This prestigious honor features a yellow arrow with a sun bearing seven rays, each symbolizing key values: wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, faith, hope, and love. The arrow itself represents the straight and honorable path these scouts have chosen to follow.

Before presenting my Senatorial Citation, Rebecca shared, "It’s incredible to connect with the constituents our office is here to serve. You should all be immensely proud of the dedication and hard work that led to this achievement, as well as your commitment to a path that requires sacrifice—one that few choose to take."

Each recipient received an Official Senatorial Citation, along with a Maryland Flag and Maryland General Assembly pin.

Congratulations to these outstanding scouts on their well-earned recognition!

Oak Crest Celebrates 30 Years!

Residents and guests came together to celebrate 30 years of community and exceptional service at Oak Crest Community.

The event featured a delightful musical program, with Keith Derrickson performing pieces by Bach and Beethoven, while other residents joined in singing "I've Got Rhythm" by Gene Kelly and "Happy Birthday."



This celebration was a wonderful experience for residents and a testament to Oak Crest’s ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaging community.

HARFORD COUNTY:

HARFORD COUNTY

REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS:

This week, members of the Harford County Student Member of the Board addressed the Harford County Delegation Meeting.

It’s always inspiring to hear students advocate for their beliefs and ask thoughtful, challenging questions.

Events - Harford County Public Library has so many fun events coming up this week, including:

Monday, March 3:

• The LEGO Club - March 3 from 6pm-7pm for ages 5-11 at the Jarrettsville Library
• Bel Air Genealogy Discussion - March 3 from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. for adults.
• Yoga classes in Joppa in the evening.

Tuesday, March 4:

• Teen Tech Week at the Edgewood Library- 3D Print Demo (Middle & High School Students)
• Harford Community Action Agency from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Aberdeen Library
• Family and Friends Story Time at the Joppa Library from 10:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Wednesday, March 5:

• Mini Art Show at the Joppa Library from 10:00am-8:00 p.m. Pick up a mini art kit while supports last. Submit your art to display in the month of April.
• Seeds and Stories is happening at the Harford County Agricultural Center- Susquehanna Room from 2:00p.m.-3:00p.m. and is a great program for families.

Thursday, March 6:

• Pop Up STEM at 4:30p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Edgewood Library- Stop in for hands-on STEM activities!

Friday, March 7:

• Teen Time at the Fallston Library- Middle and High School students are invited to hang out, play video and board games and make crafts.
• Teen After Hours will be hosted at the Whiteford Library and is open from 5:00p.m.-7:00 p.m. at both locations. Each student must bring a permission slip.

Saturday, March 8:

• Aberdeen Friends of HCPL Charity Book Sale will be raising funds for the library from 10:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Used books, music, and more will be available!
• The Barbie Movie - playing at the Joppa Library from 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
• The Fallston Branch 40th Anniversary Community Art Project - open 2:00p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Open to all in Legislative District 7:

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

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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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,