Annapolis Update #9

During the Budget Reconciliation Financing Act (BRFA) hearing, Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Department of Budget and Management Secretary Helene Grady addressed staffing concerns. I questioned them on why a hiring freeze had not been implemented despite the state’s budget challenges and emphasized the need for stricter hiring oversight. I proposed prioritizing staffing for critically understaffed agencies, such as the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services while enforcing a broader hiring freeze requiring the Governor’s approval. I believe a lack of implementing a hiring freeze now will result in furloughs for most state employees next fall.

With Maryland agencies seeking nearly 900 new hires amid a looming budget crisis, I am concerned that without a freeze, we will exceed our budget and face state employee furloughs within months. To listen to my interview with WBFF, CLICK HERE.

Governor Wes Moore released his supplemental budget on Tuesday. The Developmental Disabilities Administration was funded for fiscal year 2025 through cuts to other programs, such as the delay to the family and medical leave insurance program, but leaves DDA funding for 2026 in an unstable position. Moore's Strategic Energy Investment Fund will see a loss of $80 million, of the originally planned $180 million. The supplemental budget will cover the $15 million cost of the Register of Wills office, which was previously covered by inheritance taxes. Also included will be $18 million in allocation for unemployment payments and staffing in anticipation of the coming wave of layoffs.

Maryland’s budget crisis continues to deepen, with the Board of Revenue Estimates announcing a $280 million write-down, increasing the existing $3 billion deficit to a staggering $3.3 billion. This growing financial shortfall presents a major challenge for the General Assembly as it seeks solutions.

At the same time, the Governor has introduced the BRFA alongside the Democrats' proposed 2.5% business-to-business tax, aimed at raising an estimated $1 billion. While larger businesses may have the ability to source wholesale purchases from outside the state, small businesses could experience significant financial pressure, jeopardizing their ability to stay afloat, create jobs, and support families.

Maryland’s economic instability is further compounded by its long-standing dependence on federal jobs, contracts, and grants. Despite repeated warnings from economists about the need for diversification, the state remains vulnerable to fluctuations in federal spending, making budget planning increasingly unpredictable.

Instead of addressing the deficit with meaningful spending cuts, the current approach relies heavily on tax and fee increases while continuing to expand the state workforce. As the financial burden on Marylanders grows, the state needs a fiscally responsible strategy that ensures long-term stability rather than short-term fixes.

COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS

Budget & Taxation Committee:

Tax Reform

I am a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill 836 - Corporate Income Tax - Rate Reduction (Economic Competitiveness Act of 2025). Senate Bill 836 proposes a gradual reduction in corporate income tax from 8.25% to 6.25% over five years, decreasing by 0.5% annually. This legislation aims to attract businesses to Maryland and boost economic productivity.

Senate Bill 859 - Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2025 proposes major tax reforms, aiming to adjust estate tax liabilities, modify certain income tax credits, and introduce new business fees to fund transportation. In essence, the bill creates additional tax brackets and increases taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

Federal Workers

Senate Bill 683 - Catastrophic Event Account and Federal Government Shutdown Employee Assistance Loan Fund - Alterations (Protect Our Federal Workers Act) expands financial assistance for federal employees beyond furloughs to include mass layoffs. Previously, state law provided loans for furloughed workers; this bill extends eligibility to those affected by widespread job losses, ensuring access to critical financial relief.

Miles Traveled

I've co-sponsored an important bill to safeguard drivers from unwarranted privacy intrusions and financial strain.  Senate Bill 557 - Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Tax and Associated Mandated Devices - Prohibition (Transportation Freedom Act of 2025) prevents the implementation of mileage-based taxes and fees while prohibiting the mandatory installation of tracking devices for taxation or fee collection.

Education, Energy and Environment Committee:

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is taking heat as residents worry about the extreme rise in the cost of energy bills. While we continue to address these issues in Annapolis through proposed legislation, there are steps you can take as well.

You can file a complaint with the PSC detailing any issues with your bill and any concerns you have.  Before submitting a complaint, ensure you have a well-documented conversation with your utility company. The Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) outlines your rights and responsibilities during the complaint process. For more information, refer to the document: How to Make a Complaint to the Public Service Commission.pdf

PSC Oversight and Regulations:

Senate Bill 675 - Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation directs the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to analyze the costs and benefits of various electricity generation sources. The study will assess ratepayer costs under different scenarios, including natural gas, nuclear, and an expanded offshore wind capacity. Upon conclusion of the study, the PSC will compare these sources with energy storage solutions.

Senate Bill 947 - Maryland Co-Location Energy Innovation and Reliability Act requires the PSC to adopt regulations governing the construction of generating stations that are co-located with data centers but are not interconnected with the electric transmission or distribution systems. This initiative seeks to promote energy innovation and improve reliability by allowing data centers to operate independently from the traditional power grid.

PSC Planning and Reporting:



Senate Bill 909 - Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act proposes the establishment of the Integrated Resource Planning Office (IRPO) within the PSC. IRPO would be tasked with developing a 25-year Comprehensive Energy Forecast to analyze energy scenarios and policy options with a goal to facilitate the achievement of the state's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, ensure just and reasonable rates, and maintain both short-term and long-term electric distribution system reliability. Each electric company would be required to develop an integrated resource plan to assist in these efforts.

Senate Bill 908 - Public Utilities - Electric Distribution System Plans - Establishment (Affordable Grid Act) requires the PSC to adopt regulations or issue orders by December 31, 2025, requiring electric companies to develop electric system distribution plans every three years. These plans must receive PSC approval, and electric companies are obligated to provide annual progress reports. The PSC is also tasked with establishing metrics to monitor and assess these distribution system plans. Furthermore, the bill requires electric companies to offer public comment opportunities, ensuring stakeholder engagement in the planning process.

Senate Bill 951 - Investor-Owned Electric Companies - Generating and Transmission Facilities - Authorization proposes authorizing investor-owned electric companies in Maryland to independently construct, acquire, lease, and operate their own generating facilities, as well as the necessary transmission facilities to interconnect these generating stations with the electric system. This bill seeks to amend the existing regulatory framework by repealing the current authority of the PSC to allow or require such actions. The proposed legislation aims to grant investor-owned electric companies greater autonomy in developing and managing energy generation and transmission infrastructure, thereby potentially enhancing the state's energy capacity and reliability.

Eminent Domain:

Eminent Domain refers to the seizure of private property for public use. This is a particularly big component of this Legislative Session, due to the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project (MPRP) and its proposal of new transmission lines through conserved lands. Some of these bills were created to prevent future challenges similar to those experienced with MPRP.

I'm a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill 478 - Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Local Approval, which proposes that the PSC be prohibited from approving a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) for a solar energy generating station unless it receives written approval from each county or municipal corporation where the station is proposed to be located. This bill specifies that, regardless of other laws, the PSC cannot approve a CPCN for a solar energy generating station without written consent from all local jurisdictions involved.

Senate Bill 931 - Public Utilities - Generating Stations - Generation and Siting (Renewable Energy Certainty Act) streamlines Maryland’s renewable energy development by refining approval processes and reducing local regulatory barriers. It requires the Public Service Commission to expand evaluation criteria for new generating stations, mandates expedited local reviews for solar and energy storage projects and prohibits local laws that hinder approved developments. I am opposed to this bill in it's current state, due to the fact that local entities should be in control of their land and decision making.

Senate Bill 640 - Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Eminent Domain aims to restrict the use of eminent domain for solar energy developments, ensuring that property acquisition for such projects is conducted through voluntary agreements rather than compulsory measures.

Senate Bill 737 - Property Rights Protection Act of 2025 proposes to restrict the use of eminent domain for specific energy projects in Maryland. The bill prohibits electric companies from exercising condemnation rights to acquire property for constructing power lines or generating stations that produce electricity from wind or solar energy. Additionally, it prevents the State and its subdivisions from using eminent domain to acquire property encumbered by conservation easements or intended for such energy projects.

Senate Bill 483 - Public Utilities - Alternatives to Construction of New Transmission Lines enhances the evaluation process for new transmission line constructions in Maryland. It requires the PSC to consider alternatives to building new transmission lines, particularly when these alternatives help preserve historical, environmental, or agricultural areas and avoid encroaching on residential properties or land designated for planned use.

Senate Bill 955 - Overhead Transmission Lines - Eminent Domain regulates the use of eminent domain in the construction of overhead transmission lines in Maryland. The bill authorizes property owners to seek damages if their property, protected by such easements, is subjected to condemnation proceedings. The legislation also mandates that, under certain circumstances, reasonable counsel fees be awarded to defendants in condemnation cases, and specific court costs be charged to the plaintiff. These measures aim to protect preserved lands from being acquired through eminent domain for the construction of overhead transmission lines.

Nuclear:

Senate Bill 937 - Public Utilities - Electricity Generation Planning - Procurement, Permitting, and Co-Location (Next Generation Energy Act) establishes a procurement and financing mechanism for nuclear energy while ensuring that rate impacts remain within limits set by the PSC. It also supports the extension or renewal of the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant's federal license, underscoring Maryland's commitment to reliable, cost-effective, and clean energy. Designed to strengthen the state’s energy infrastructure, the bill promotes nuclear and dispatchable energy generation.

Senate Bill 716 - Public Utilities - Nuclear Energy - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard and Procurement (Decarbonization Infrastructure Solutions Act of 2025) amends Maryland’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) to classify nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, as a Tier 1 renewable source. The bill creates Nuclear Renewable Energy Credits (NRECs) and requires the PSC to establish a procurement process for nuclear projects and mandates electric companies to procure nuclear energy and ensures that proceeds from nuclear sales benefit consumers. Additionally, it promotes inclusivity in the nuclear sector by supporting minority- and women-owned businesses through the Governor’s Office and Attorney General’s Office.

Senate Bill 853 - Public Service Commission - Transmission Line Siting - Limitations restricts the construction of new overhead transmission lines. It prohibits the PSC from authorizing new lines outside existing rights-of-way unless the applicant proves that current corridors are insufficient. If deemed inadequate, the bill allows for new lines within 0.25 miles of existing ones, aiming to minimize environmental and community impact by utilizing existing corridors.

Senate Bill 952 - Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity - Overhead Transmission Lines - Grid Enhancing Technologies aims to optimize existing grid infrastructure and potentially reduce the need for new overhead transmission lines by requiring PSC to consider the implementation of grid enhancing technologies before approving a CPCN for overhead transmission lines. The bill defines "grid enhancing technologies" as infrastructure, equipment, or software designed to increase the capacity, efficiency, or reliability of the electric grid without necessitating significant new construction. This includes technologies such as dynamic line rating systems, power flow control devices, and enhanced transmission line monitoring systems.

Oil and Natural Gas

Senate Bill 878 - Oil and Natural Gas - Hydraulic Fracturing - Authorization repeals the ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and natural gas exploration. and requires the Maryland Department of the Environment to adopt regulations for overseeing fracking activities.

Senate Bill 950 - Natural Gas Generating Facilities - Authorization enables the construction, permitting, and operation of natural gas generating facilities until the state meets 50% of its energy needs from renewable resources. Once this goal is reached, the Maryland Energy Administration will work with facility owners to gradually reduce natural gas production as renewable energy output increases.

Senate Bill 643 - Public Utilities – Energy Generation asserts the state's authority to construct, permit, and operate energy-generating systems that utilize natural gas. It also expresses the General Assembly's support for expanding nuclear energy within Maryland and encourages PJM to expedite the interconnection process for new thermal generation resources in the state.

EDUCATION

Senate Bill 819 - Public Schools - Open Enrollment - Policies and Funding allows each County Board of Education in Maryland to establish open enrollment policies, permitting students to attend public schools outside their home county. Under this policy, funding would be allocated to the county where the student is enrolled.

Senate Bill 916 - Education - Curriculum Standards - Requirements (Educate to Stop the Hate Act) requires county Boards of Education to align their curriculum with content standards developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The State Superintendent can withhold funds from non-compliant counties. MSDE will create standards in consultation with educators, and the State Board of Education must review and improve history and social studies frameworks to address hate, bigotry, and prejudice.

Senate Bill 852 - Blueprint for Maryland's Future - Alterations proposes significant changes to Maryland’s education system under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. The bill seeks to repeal the Career Counseling Program for Middle and High School Students, eliminating its funding. It also requires county Boards of Education to report per-school funding for specific Blueprint-related programs and provides a waiver for schools with 350 or fewer students. Additionally, the bill expands pre-kindergarten eligibility by broadening the definition of a "Tier-I child." Given that pre-kindergarten is the most expensive grade per student, I recommend delaying this expansion until the state is in a more stable financial position, and not currently facing a $3 billion deficiet.

Senate Bill 588 - Education - Interscholastic and Intramural Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams and Sports - Designation (Fairness in Girls' Sports Act) mandates that interscholastic and intramural junior varsity and varsity athletic teams sponsored by public high schools, as well as nonpublic high schools competing against public schools, be explicitly designated based on biological sex: male, female, or coeducational. This bill also grants students who are deprived of athletic opportunities or face retaliation due to violations of this policy the right to pursue civil action against the offending school or athletic organization.

Senate Bill 468 - Public Middle, High, and Charter Schools - Start Time for Instruction proposes that, beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, all public middle schools in Maryland start instruction no earlier than 8:00 a.m., and public high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m. The bill also allows the State Board of Education to issue waivers in certain cases. Additionally, it requires each county Board of Education and public charter school to run public service campaigns raising awareness about sleep deprivation and the benefits of later school start times.

Finance

Senate Bill 823 - No Tax on Tips Act prohibits food service facilities from charging service fees unless they clearly disclose the amount, purpose, and whether the fee goes directly to employees in addition to wages. It also adjusts the state minimum wage and tip credit policies, ultimately eliminating the tip credit by July 1, 2028, ensuring tipped workers receive the full state minimum wage directly from employers. Additionally, the bill introduces tax incentives, including an income tax subtraction for qualified tips received by employees and a tax credit for employers based on wages and tips paid.

Senate Bill 848 - Public Health Abortion Grant Program - Establishment proposes the establishment of the Public Health Abortion Grant Program. The program aims to provide grants to improve access to abortion care clinical services for individuals. To support this initiative, the bill also establishes the Public Health Abortion Grant Program Fund as a special, non-lapsing fund dedicated to financing these grants. Additionally, the legislation requires that certain premium funds collected by health insurance carriers be used to provide specific coverage and to support improved access to abortion care clinical services.

Judicial Proceedings

Senate Bill 721 - Family Law - Permanent Protective Orders - Consent amends Maryland’s Family Law to allow individuals to consent to a permanent protective order against themselves, even if they do not meet the current legal requirements of a prior protective order, a conviction, and a prison sentence. If passed, this change would provide an alternative path for issuing permanent protective orders.

I'm a proud cosponsor of Senate Bill 735 - Real Time for Violent Crime Act (Geri's Law). Gerri's Law aims to implement stricter sentencing measures for individuals convicted of violent crimes. The bill eliminates diminution credits for those convicted of first- or second-degree murder, preventing early release based on good behavior. It also limits the application of diminution credits to no more than 10% of the sentence for individuals incarcerated for other violent crimes. Additionally, the bill restricts pretrial release for defendants charged with violent crimes if they have a pending charge for a similar offense or a prior conviction within the past 10 years.

Senate Bill 782 - Criminal Procedure - Verdict of Not Criminally Responsible - Eligibility for Evaluation for Discharge proposes that individuals committed to the Maryland Department of Health after being found not criminally responsible for first- or second-degree murder are ineligible for discharge for at least 10 years from the date of their commitment.

Senate Bill 742 - Vehicle Laws - Inspection Requirement proposes that the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) require biennial safety inspections for motor vehicles registered in Maryland that are at least six model years old. The inspections would assess critical safety components, including brakes, steering columns, horns, mirrors, lights, windows, windshields, windshield wipers, speedometers, and seat belts. Exemptions include, Class L (historic) vehicles and vehicles already subject to other inspection mandates.

BILLS ON THE MOVE

Moving from Senate to House:

Senate Bill 214 - Sale and Distribution - Tetrahydrocannabinol Offenses introduced at the request of the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission, strengthens enforcement against unauthorized THC sales. The bill grants the Field Enforcement Division the authority to issue citations for THC violations, prohibits the sale of non-compliant THC products, and authorizes the seizure and destruction of unlawful items. The bill unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House Economic Matters Committee.

Senate Bill 40 - Vehicle Laws - Towed, Removed, or Abandoned Vehicles - Electronic Notice to Owner unanimously passed the Senate and has been referred to the House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee. This bill allows towing companies and police departments to notify vehicle owners electronically through the MVA when a vehicle is removed or taken into custody.

Senate Bill 210 - Maryland Transportation Authority - Tolls, Fees, and Other Charges - Temporary Adjustments unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House of Delegates Environment and Transportation Committee. This bill extends the Maryland Transportation Authority's emergency status determination from 180 to 300 days, allowing temporary toll and fee adjustments without public notice and comment.

Senate Bill 258 - Natural Resources - Fishing Licenses and Stamps - Alterations passed the Senate (33-12) and is now before the House Environment and Transportation Committee. I voted against this bill, which raises the annual fishing license fee for Maryland residents from $20.50 to $32 and the 7-day license fee from $7.40 to $16, along with increases for out-of-state residents.

I’m a proud co-sponsor of Senate Bill Reckless and Negligent Driving - Death of Another - Must-Appear Violation (Sherry and Christian's Law) which unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee. This bill prohibits prepayment of fines and requires individuals charged with reckless or negligent driving that leads to a fatal accident to appear in court. A court may waive this requirement and allow the individual to plead guilty and prepay the fine for good cause.

 

Senate Bill 142 - Marriage - Confidential Communication unanimously passed the Senate and has moved to the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee. This bill allows a spouse who is the alleged victim to disclose confidential communications made during the marriage in a criminal case where one spouse is charged with a crime against the other. However, a spouse cannot be compelled to testify about these communications.

Moving from House to the Senate:

House Bill 7 - Vehicle Laws - Bicycles - Operation at Intersections passed the House of Delegates and has moved to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. This bill allows bicyclists to cautiously proceed through a stop sign without stopping at intersections with two or fewer traffic lanes if they slow to a reasonable speed and yield to nearby vehicles. 

House Bill 153 - Election Law - Voter Registration - Age and Notification to Minors passed the House of Delegates and has moved to the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. This bill lowers the voter registration age from 16 to 15 years and 9 months as well as requires voter notification cards for applicants under 18 to include information on when they will be eligible to vote. Additionally, county election directors must notify registered voters who become eligible to vote in a primary election before turning 18, providing details on voting methods, early voting centers, and polling locations.



House Bill 385 - Consumer Protection - Automatic Tip Prompt Screen - Requirements passed the House of Delegates and has moved to the Senate Finance Committee. This bill requires businesses to clearly state that tips are for employees and to display a default tip amount set at zero or provide a “no-tip” option under certain conditions.

National Guard

This week, I attended National Guard Night in Annapolis with fellow National Guardsmen and Veterans. It’s always a rewarding experience to connect with the community at these events. A special thank you to Major General Birckhead, Brigadier General Dougherty, and Brigadier General Collins for taking the time to speak with me, Senator Folden, and Delegate Rogers. As a member of the Maryland Air National Guard, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.

I would like to mention the last time I was with the Brigadier General Collins, he and I

were at the Ämari Air Base in Harijumaa, Estonia as part of the recognition for the 30

Year Celebration Maryland-Estonia: State Partnership Program.

Red Scarf Day in Annapolis

Photo Credit: MFRW.

This week, the Maryland Federation of Republican Women visited the Senate Republican Caucus for "Red Scarf Day!" For more information on the Maryland Federation of Republican Women, visit: Facebook or website.

IN THE DISTRICT:

Legislative District 7 Baltimore & Harford Counties

BALTIMORE COUNTY:

Congratulations, Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum!

The former Lockheed Martin Building will soon be home to the Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum! This new location will allow the museum to continue preserving aviation and aerospace history while inspiring future generations of Marylanders.

For more information, visit: https://www.mdairmuseum.org/

Protecting Your Information Online!

If you're interested in learning more about protecting yourself online, call Seven Oaks to register: 410-887-5192

HARFORD COUNTY:

Annie's Playground is Temporarily Closed

Harford County staff members identified several cracks in structures at Annie's Playground. The park will be closed "until further notice."

Other parks in the area include Rockfield Creative Playground on Churchville Road in Bel Air and Lyn Stacie Getz Creative Playground on Ring Factory Road in Bel Air.

Harford County Road Repairs:

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration will begin repairing asphalt pavement along Emmorton Road (MD 24) and Edgewood Road (MD 755) starting on March 10, 2025.

On March 17, 2025, crews will resurface Fallston Road (MD 152) from Pleasantville Road to Baldwin Mill Road (MD 165).

With both projects, motorists can expect single lane closures with flagging from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both projects begin in the coming weeks and will be completed by early summer.

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

Google Form

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,