| |
Annapolis Update:
Monday, March 16, 2026 | | |
Dear Neighbor,
I hope you're having a great week.
As of now, 1,012 Senate Bills and 1,653 House Bills have been introduced during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session.
Two of the most important pieces of legislation - Senate Bill 282 - The Budget Bill, and House Bill 392 - Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act are expected to reach the Senate floor next week for Second Reader.
Committees have until March 17, 2026, to finalize legislation before voting bills out of committee. The Crossover deadline is March 23, 2026, which means any bill that remains active must pass out of its chamber of origin and move “across the street” to the other chamber. In Annapolis, this often means long days that turn into even longer nights as lawmakers work to meet these deadlines.
I would also like to recognize and thank the dedicated analysts who work alongside elected officials on the Budget & Taxation Committee and across all legislative committees. Their work is invaluable. The Department of Legislative Audits has been especially helpful this year in shedding light on troubling findings, and I commend them for their diligence.
Together with the Department of Legislative Services, they play a critical role in identifying government waste and raising important questions about transparency in how federal and state dollars are being spent.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Pastor Germaine “Ressee” Turner of Trinity Lutheran Church in Joppa for delivering the opening prayer during Friday’s Maryland Senate floor session.
Pastor Turner has faithfully served the Trinity Lutheran Church community through ministry and outreach for the past 13 years, and we were honored to have her offer a thoughtful prayer for the leaders of our state and the people of Maryland.
I also want to mention that I still keep in touch with two of my former teachers, my 7th grade English teacher, Dr. Barbara Dezmon, and my 8th grade Spanish teacher, Mr. Medvitz. They are just two of the many educators who had a lasting impact on my education, and
I’m grateful to have remained connected with them over the years. Their insight and experience are invaluable, and I still seek their advice on many of the education issues we face in this state.
| ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS: | |
Senate Bill 893 - Business Regulation - Rounding Cash Transactions - Authorization was debated in the Senate this week. This bill addresses the National policy change surrounding pennies and produces expectations for businesses.
Senate Bill 893 allows businesses in Maryland to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents when calculating the total price or the change given to a customer.
Key Provisions include:
- Cash transaction rounding: Merchants may round the final price or change up or down to the nearest $0.05 when a transaction is paid with cash.
- Applies after taxes and discounts: The rounding occurs after all taxes, fees, discounts, and deductions are applied to determine the final price.
- Employer wage payments: Employers paying wages in cash may also round payments to the nearest five cents.
- Preemption of local rules: The bill overrides any local regulations or ordinances that conflict with this rounding authorization.
For example, if the final cash total is:
$10.02, one rounds down to $10.00
$10.03, one rounds up to $10.05
| | |
BRINGING ENERGY CHOICE
BACK TO MARYLAND:
Repeal of 2024'S Senate Bill 1:
| |
Energy costs are rising across Maryland, and families are feeling the strain.
That is why I introduced Senate Bill 997 - Retail Supply of Electricity and Gas, legislation designed to repeal Senate Bill 1, the 2024 law that eliminated residential retail energy choice in our state.
Senate Bill 1 took away competition and limited options for consumers. My bill restores energy choice while maintaining strong consumer protections, giving Maryland families the ability to select energy plans that work best for them.
I hear from Marylanders every single day who tell me their electric bills are becoming unaffordable. Families are being forced to make difficult choices simply to keep the lights on. Bringing competition back into the marketplace will help create a more consumer-friendly system that provides real options and transparency.
This week, the Governor and the legislative supermajority announced what they are calling the Utility Relief Act. Unfortunately, this proposal once again misses the mark. Their plan is projected to save Marylanders roughly $150 per year, a small and temporary bandage on a much larger problem.
Marylanders do not need symbolic relief. They need real policy changes that address the root causes of rising energy costs.
Republicans have consistently offered practical solutions to restore competition, increase energy supply, and lower costs for consumers. Time and time again, those proposals are dismissed or ignored.
Senate Bill 997 provides a better path forward by:
✔ Restoring Energy Choice
Repealing the harmful provisions of the 2024 law that eliminated residential retail energy choice.
✔ Protecting Consumers
Maintaining licensing requirements, disclosure rules, and enforcement authority under the Maryland Public Service Commission.
✔ Increasing Transparency
Ensuring customers clearly understand pricing, contracts, and supplier practices before enrolling.
✔ Expanding Energy Options
Allowing both fixed-rate and variable-rate plans so families have the flexibility to manage their energy costs.
Maryland families deserve more than temporary relief. They deserve policies that lower costs, expand options, and restore common sense to our energy market.
| |
Maryland Weather Update: 75° on Wednesday, sunny Thursday morning… and snow by the afternoon. If you’re new to Maryland, welcome, our weather likes to keep things interesting.
If you’re in the district or visiting Annapolis on March 30, I hope you’ll join me for An Evening in Annapolis at 11 Bladen Street from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Plus, Richardson Farms will be providing the food, so you know it will be good.
I encourage you to RSVP to jb.jennings@senate.maryland.gov
| | | | |
Thank you to the Maryland State Firefighters Association and Matt Fox for traveling to Annapolis to testify in person. I also want to recognize the Harford County Executive for his continued advocacy and funding support for firefighters and EMS personnel in Harford County.
Additional thanks go to the Allegany & Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire Rescue Association and the Fire & EMS Coalition for submitting letters of support for Senate Bill 579.
| | |
Before these bills can become law, they must go through several additional steps in the legislative process. First, each bill must pass both the Second Reader and Third Reader votes in the Senate. The Second Reader is when senators can debate the bill and offer amendments. The Third Reader is the final vote in the Senate on whether the bill moves forward.
If the bill passes the Senate, it then moves to the House of Delegates, where it goes through the same process, a committee hearing, followed by Second and Third Reader votes on the House floor.
If both chambers pass the bill in the same form, it is then sent to the Governor, who can sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it.
I’m hopeful we can continue moving these bills forward so that Marylanders feel respected, protected, and heard.
| | |
FIREARMS:
Senate Bill 160 - Public Safety - Licensed Firearms Dealers - Notification Regarding Compromising Events adds another layer of regulation on lawful firearms dealers in the State of Maryland. The legislation creates new reporting requirements, establishes additional penalties, and expands state oversight of licensed firearms businesses.
Most concerning, the bill gives the State greater authority to penalize dealers for what could amount to simple technical or administrative failures.
I voted against this bill. Unfortunately, the bill has passed the Senate and is now moving to the House of Delegates for consideration.
Senate Bill 334- Criminal Law Firearm Crimes - Machine Gun Convertible Pistols was heard on the Senate floor for Second Reading on Friday. The legislation would make it illegal in Maryland to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, purchase, receive, or transfer what is defined as a “machine-gun convertible pistol.”
If enacted, the ban would take effect on January 1, 2027, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transfer, or possession of these pistols moving forward.
Under the bill, a “machine-gun convertible pistol” is defined as a semi-automatic handgun that can be converted to fire multiple rounds with a single pull of the trigger through the use of a conversion device.
The legislation also authorizes the Maryland State Police to identify and publish a list of pistols that meet this definition and would therefore be prohibited.
Critics of the bill argue that it expands firearm restrictions rather than focusing on enforcing existing laws. They warn that the broad definition could potentially apply to commonly owned pistols and remove widely owned firearms from the legal market.
Additionally, federal law already prohibits the conversion of firearms into machine guns, leading some to question whether additional state legislation is necessary.
Senate Bill 118 - Comprehensive Community Safety Funding Act was heard in the Budget & Taxation Committee this week. The bill would impose a new excise tax of roughly 11% on the gross receipts of firearms dealers, applying to the sale of firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories to Maryland residents.
In practice, this amounts to a “sin tax” on the Constitutional right to bear arms, placing the burden on law-abiding gun owners, hunters, collectors, sport shooters, and individuals seeking to protect themselves, rather than addressing those who commit violent crimes.
| | | MARYLAND STATE WILDLIFE ACTION PLAN 2025-2035: | | |
Animals who are at risk include:
- Saltmarsh sparrow, Eastern meadowlark, Wood thrush, and the Black rail;
- American eel, Brook trout, and Atlantic sturgeon;
- Bog turtle, Eastern tiger salamander, Northern diamondback terrapin;
- Monarch butterfly, Rusty patched bumble bee, Several rare dragonflies;
- Little brown bat and the Northern long-eared bat.
Plants at risk include the rare coastal plants, Wetland orchids, and native grassland species.
| | |
Habitat loss has been identified as a major driver of the species’ decline. Considering Maryland has actually seen a loss of residents, it is reasonable to question whether the increased housing development the Governor warns about is truly needed.
Areas requiring protection include:
- Western Maryland forests, Appalachian hardwood ecosystems and areas important for birds, bats, salamanders;
- Tidal marshes and Freshwater wetlands are critical for amphibians and waterbirds;
- Chesapeake Bay tributaries, cold-water streams for brook trout, estuaries, seagrass beds, oyster reefs, and grass & farmland that are important for declining bird species like Meadowlarks and bobolinks;
- Parks, greenways, stormwater ponds, and backyard habitat corridors in Urban settings.
(image from fity.com)
| | |
Enshrining Maryland's Flag:
On the 122nd anniversary of the Maryland flag being incorporated into our state Constitution, I introduced Senate Bill 1006 - Maryland Flag Protection Act to ensure this historic symbol is protected for generations to come.
On February 10, Governor Moore stated, “Listen, if I wanted the flag changed, it would have changed already.” That statement should concern every Marylander.
Our flag does not belong to any governor. It belongs to the people of Maryland.
The Maryland flag tells the story of our past through the historic Calvert and Crossland coats of arms. For more than a century it has united Marylanders and is proudly flown on homes, businesses, schools, and public buildings across our state.
Maryland doesn’t need a rebrand. Our flag already represents the heritage, strength, and unity that define our state.
To watch the bill's introduction, click here.
| |  | |
Here is a powerful opening line from Spotlight on Maryland reporter Tessa Bentulan: “As Governor Wes Moore argues that Maryland does not need a statewide inspector general because his administration already has internal oversight, the state has paid an outside consulting firm millions of dollars to identify government waste.”
Her reporting also indicates that “no records exist” of audits that were supposed to be conducted by the Governor’s Chief Performance Officer (CPO), despite Governor Moore stating that hiring a CPO was one of his administration’s first priorities.
Meanwhile, audits conducted by the Office of Legislative Audits continue to show that there are numerous areas where the state could reduce waste and improve how taxpayer dollars are tracked and reported.
Given these findings, it is difficult to understand why anyone would oppose my bipartisan legislation, Senate Bill 991 - Public Information Act - Inspectors General - Access to Public Records. This bill clarifies that Inspectors General must have access to the information and documents necessary to perform their oversight duties. Strengthening this authority will help promote transparency in government operations and provide taxpayers with the accountability they deserve.
| | | REMINDER: SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE APPROACHING! | | |
More momentum at Greenleigh in Middle River!
Thanks, Christopher Montcalmo, for posting in the Nottingham News. Three new companies have signed leases at the Greenleigh development, bringing nearly 23,000 square feet of new office activity to Baltimore County.
The new tenants include:
• Prometric, which is establishing its global headquarters
• Dachser USA Air & Sea Logistics, a global supply chain company
• OneMain Financial, expanding its presence in the region
All three businesses are moving into the Class-A office building at 6211 Greenleigh Avenue, reinforcing Greenleigh’s reputation as a growing hub for jobs, innovation, and investment in our community.
Economic development like this strengthens our local economy, supports working families, and keeps opportunity right here in Baltimore County.
I’ll continue supporting policies that encourage businesses to grow and choose to invest in our high-quality communities. This is another reason why I advocated for this community when considering the Consolidated Transportation Program. The community is growing and requires infrastructure to match.
| | |
Public Workshop & Hearing – Martin State Airport Noise Zone Update:
Residents are invited to attend a Public Workshop and Public Hearing regarding updates to the Martin State Airport Noise Zone (MTN ANZ).
Date: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Martin State Airport – Hangar 4
701 Wilson Point Road
Middle River, MD 21220
This meeting will give residents the opportunity to learn about the Airport Noise Zone update, review proposed boundary changes, ask questions, and submit formal public comments. The updated MTN ANZ will ultimately be incorporated into the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).
The session will begin with an open-house format, featuring display boards and contour maps showing existing and proposed noise zone boundaries. A live informational presentation will take place at 6:30 p.m., and representatives from the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) will be available throughout the event to answer questions.
Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to submit formal comments, which will be recorded by a hearing officer.
Residents may also submit written comments through April 20, 2026 by emailing:
BRineer@bwiairport.com
The MTN ANZ document is available online at:
https://marylandaviation.com/environmental/airport-noise/
For those unable to access the document online, copies are available at select local libraries, or accommodations may be requested by contacting the Outreach Team.
| |
On Wednesday, March 18, the Maryland Department of Transportation, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will host a public informational workshop regarding planned safety improvements along MD 700 (Martin Boulevard) from US 40 (Pulaski Highway) to MD 150 (Eastern Boulevard) in Baltimore County.
This corridor is scheduled for pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades as part of SHA’s commitment to a safer, more accessible transportation network for everyone.
| | |
Harford Transit LINK has outlined all 7 fixed routes, which runs Monday through Friday from 5:07 a.m. to 8:37 p.m.
Download Passio GO, available on the App Store and Google Play. The free PASSIO GO app enables real time bus tracking.
Sign up for text message alerts with Harford Transit by texting "LINKalerts" to 410-457-3665. MSG & Data rates may apply.
| |
Beginning the week of March 15, 2026, the new ramp from northbound MD 24 to northbound I-95 will be open to traffic, weather depending.
Northbound MD 24 motorists using the northbound I-95 ramp must be prepared to yield to southbound MD 24 traffic turning onto the new ramp.
Portable message signs will be placed ahead of the new ramp notifying motorists of the new traffic pattern.
The MDTA appreciates your patience and reminds drivers to Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt.
| |
Harford County's Master Gardener Series
features meetings on growing a meadow, heirloom vegetables, pollinator gardens, and more.
| | |
My office remains ready to serve my constituents, should a need arise. Not sure if you reside in Legislative District 7? Check it out here: Members - Find My Representatives. Navigate to Look Up, and type in your address to see who represents your district and their legislation. As always, feel free to email me on legislation or any personal state-related issues that may arise.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or X.
Best regards,
| | |
Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy |
| | | |
