| |
Annapolis Update: End of Session Update
Monday, April 20, 2026 | | |
Dear Neighbor,
The 449th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly concluded after 90 days. During this time, thousands of Senate and House bills were heard, with hundreds being sent to the Governor for his consideration.
During this session, I remained committed to improving the quality of life for hardworking Marylanders. I worked to advance practical, bipartisan solutions, highlight the real challenges facing our communities and businesses, and fight to amend legislation that could negatively impact our state.
I was also proud to deliver meaningful results for our district by securing critical capital and community investments:
CAPITAL BUDGET FUNDS I SECURED FOR THE DISTRICT INCLUDE:
-
Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Station: $1,600,000 ($200,000 FY27, $1,400,000 pre-authorized for FY28) – for the design and construction of a new fire station; and
-
Town of Bel Air: $2,000,000 (Pre-Authorization FY28) – for land acquisition and preservation.
LEGISLATIVE BOND INITIATIVES SECURED FOR THE DISTRICT INCLUDE:
-
Seneca Harbor in Middle River: $50,000 – for the acquisition, design & construction of an open access playground;
-
Kingsville Elementary School: $100,000 – for ADA accessible playground & site improvements;
-
Loch Raven High School: $165,000 – for a new digital marquee sign & other facility improvements; and
-
Harford County Humane Society: $200,000 – for the construction of shelter & training facility.
While the Maryland Constitution requires a balanced budget, and that obligation has been met, our work is far from over. Strong oversight and a careful review of state and nonprofit spending will be critical to rein in costs and restore fiscal discipline ahead of the 450th Legislative Session.
Although the session ended, I remain committed to serving constituents year-round. If issues arise that require assistance, please continue to reach out. My team and I will be out in the community, so we look forward to seeing you in the district. It is a privilege to serve as your voice in the State Senate, and I am grateful for your trust.
| | |
Senator J.B. Jennings
*Click View Entire Message to read the full update**
| | |
THE BUDGET
Affordability was a top priority this session. I sponsored legislation and amendments to lower everyday costs in areas such as utility bills and vehicle expenses, including the gas tax. While not every measure was adopted, the final budget avoids new taxes and includes targeted relief, while maintaining focus on long-term fiscal responsibility.
Senate Bill 282 – Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027) was signed into law on April 8 and takes effect July 1, 2026. The budget includes important safeguards to rein in spending, while continuing to fund core priorities like public safety, education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.
There is still more work to be done to get spending under control, but my priorities remain clear: protect public safety, support vulnerable Marylanders, combat the energy crisis and ease the financial strain on working families, while encouraging job growth and economic stability.
During the budget debate, several commonsense amendments to reduce costs and restore fiscal responsibility were introduced. These amendments were ultimately rejected, but would have:
- Delivered relief from costly EmPOWER Maryland charges on energy bills;
- Repealed recent MVA fee increases (car registration fees);
- Eliminated the state’s burdensome technology services tax;
- Ended the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP);
- Allowed Developmentally Disabled individuals to set their own wages within the fixed rate cap; and
- Prevented additional cost burdens from being shifted onto local governments.
THE BUDGET RECONCILIATION AND FINANCING ACT (BRFA)
The Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2026 balanced Maryland’s budget, but relied heavily on fund transfers, delayed spending, and one-time fixes instead of meaningful reform. This approach signals fiscal stress, weakens key programs, and creates long-term instability following the State’s credit downgrade in 2025 - the first time since 1973.
The BRFA reduces transparency by shifting funds across categories and rejecting efforts to modernize budget tracking, while redirecting resources away from health, education, and workforce programs. A provision tying law enforcement funding to new immigration policies also raises concerns about local authority and constitutional responsibility.
While Maryland must pass a balanced budget, how that balance is achieved matters. This year’s plan relies on short-term fixes rather than addressing long-term spending challenges.
One positive, I secured an amendment restoring 25-year rolling eligibility for historic vehicle tags, beginning Fiscal Year 2028, which replaces the 1999 limit established by the 2025 BRFA. While this does not meet the same standard I proposed in Senate Bill 452 – Vehicle Laws – Historic Motor Vehicles – Minimum Age which would have asked the voters to also grandfathered in previously tagged vehicles. It at least opens the status to vehicles made after 1999.
| | |
EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Mid-cycle redistricting was a major focus of the 2026 session, driven by efforts to redraw congressional maps for political advantage rather than uphold a fair, bipartisan process. House Bill 488 - Election Districts - General Assembly and Representatives in Congress sought to change district lines outside of the normal census cycle, raising concerns about transparency, fairness, and the integrity of balanced representation.
In response, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 104 - Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission (Fair Districts for Maryland Act), which would have established a more transparent and nonpartisan redistricting process. House Bill 488 faced bipartisan opposition in the Senate, and neither bill passed this session, leaving existing maps in place.
Concerns were raised about instability within the Governor’s cabinet, as the departures of the 9th and 10th secretaries marked an unprecedented level of turnover. Additional attention followed the Governor’s statement, “If I wanted this flag to change, it would’ve changed by now.”
No branch of our co-equal system should have the authority to unilaterally alter Maryland’s historic symbols. To address this, I introduced Senate Bill 1006 – the Maryland State Flag Protection Act which would have asked voters to enshrine the State flag in the Constitution and preserve it for future generations. This beloved Maryland symbol should not be subject to careless threats of change.
| |
ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
Mid-session, I was contacted by Baltimore City Inspector General Cumming to introduce Senate Bill 991 - Public Information Act - Inspectors General - Access to Public Records, ensuring independent watchdogs have the access needed to effectively audit government spending. I also introduced Senate Bill 999 - County Boards of Education - Reappointments of County Superintendents of Schools - Audit Requirement (Local School System Fiscal Accountability Act), requiring updated financial audits before school boards approve multi-year superintendent contracts.
While these measures did not pass, I remain committed to advancing them and will continue working to strengthen transparency, accountability, and oversight in government next session.
| | |
ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT
High electric bills remained a major issue this session, as families continue to feel the impact of rising costs. House Bill 1532 - Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act passed, combining several initiatives, including redirecting $100 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) back to ratepayers.
The bill includes protections to ensure large energy users, such as data centers, do not shift costs onto residential customers, an important step for ratepayer fairness. It also maintains existing energy programs, offering limited, temporary adjustments to EmPOWER.
While the legislation does not fully address long-term structural challenges, including unrecovered program costs and the need for expanded in-state generation, it represents a step toward balancing affordability and consumer protection. To protect landowners, I secured an amendment that requires landowner notification about intervenor rights, addressing oversight in current law that impacts residents who live along the paths of the transmission lines.
Senate Bill 997 - Retail Supply of Electricity and Gas, which I sponsored, would have restored energy choice and allowed consumers to select suppliers in a competitive market. Senate Bill 270 - Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation, would have provided lawmakers with a clearer, data-driven understanding of Maryland’s energy mix. While neither bill passed, each will be re-introduced next year.
Another bill that I co-sponsored with Senator Jason Gallion was Senate Bill 683 - Public Utilities - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Siting (Solar Siting and Preservation Credit Act of 2026). Senate bill 683 provides greater flexibility by encouraging solar development on already-developed land, rooftops, and brownfields, helping protect farmland from overdevelopment. *Proud Co-Sponsor*
| | |
PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE,
HEALTH & FINANCE
Senate Bill 169 - Hospitals - Emergency Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions - Procedures imposes state mandates on hospitals, dictating how pregnancy-related emergencies are handled and replaces local medical decision-making with one-size-fits-all government requirements.
Senate Bill 532 - Higher Education Institutions - Over-the-Counter Contraception - Access and Reporting mandates that colleges provide data to the Maryland General Assembly on the steps each institution has taken to provide access to all over-the-counter contraception on campus.
Senate Bill 32 - State Athletic Commission - Blood Testing of Contestants - Timing extends the required disease testing window for combat sports participants from 30 to 90 days before applying or competing.
Senate Bill 806 - Health Occupations - Criminal History Records Checks requires criminal background checks for individuals applying for licenses across multiple health care professions.
House Bill 281 - Family Law - Childcare Providers - Criminal Background Investigations requires fingerprinting for background checks for childcare providers, closing a necessary safety gap.
Senate Bill 182 - Adult Protective Services - Modifications updates laws on investigating abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults by allowing online reporting, strengthening investigation requirements, and standardizing findings.
Senate Bill 134 - Medicare Supplement Policies - Issuance - Requirements requires insurers to offer Medicare supplement plans during two separate 63-day special enrollment periods.
Senate Bill 493 - Nursing Facilities - Involuntary Discharge or Transfer strengthens nursing home resident protections by preventing discharges to temporary housing, requiring confirmed placement before transfer, and improving notice and care planning requirements.
Senate Bill 753 - Fiduciary Institutions - Exploitation of Seniors and Vulnerable Adults - Protections and Required Referral (Vulnerable Adult Banking Protection Act) allows banks to delay or block suspicious transactions involving seniors or vulnerable adults, report potential exploitation, and contact trusted individuals.
Senate Bill 140 - Criminal Law - Benefits Exploitation creates a new criminal offense for exploiting someone to take their government benefits (such as Social Security, SNAP, or veterans’ benefits) through coercion or deception, with penalties increasing based on the amount stolen.
Senate Bill 582 - Consumer Protection - Unsolicited Loans prohibits creditors and investors from sending unsolicited “live checks” (pre-approved loan checks) to consumers unless the individual has requested the credit. *Proud Sponsor*
| | | | (L) Dale Bowen of MSFA & Myself at the March 10 Hearing, (Above) Matt Fox & Dale Bowen (Maryland State Firefighter Association), (Below) Matt Fox & I volunteering as teenagers. | | |
IMMIGRATION
Taken together, these bills weaken coordination, strip away flexibility, and create greater uncertainty in immigration policy. They push Maryland closer to sanctuary-style policies, raising serious concerns about public safety, undermining cooperation between agencies, and prioritizing political agendas over practical solutions.
Senate Bill 245 (CH 1) - Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition prohibits the State, local governments, and law enforcement from entering into or continuing agreements with federal immigration authorities like ICE.
Senate Bill 1 - Public Safety - Law Enforcement Officers - Prohibition on Face Coverings forces police departments to adopt a statewide policy banning officers from wearing face coverings while on duty, except in limited cases like undercover work.
Senate Bill 791 - Correctional Services and Public Safety – Immigration Enforcement – Prohibitions (Community Trust Act) restricts cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities by limiting detainers and information sharing, with immediate implementation. Critics argue it was rushed through with little input and could reduce coordination, increase public safety risks, and push Maryland toward sanctuary-style policies.
Senate Bill 346 - Civil Actions - Violation of Constitutional Rights (No Kings Act) creates a new legal pathway to sue government officials for alleged constitutional violations, raising concerns about increased lawsuits, and strained coordination, particularly around immigration enforcement.
House Bill 1017 - Correctional Services - Private Detention Facilities - Zoning Requirement requires clear zoning approval for private immigration detention centers and applies retroactively to existing agreements.
| |
AGRICULTURE:
House Bill 395 - Water Pollution Control - Discharge Permits - Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations cuts unnecessary red tape that delays farm construction, helping Maryland farmers move forward faster while maintaining environmental protections.
House Bill 461 - Economic Development - Rural Readiness Program and Rural Maryland Capacity Building Fund - Establishment creates the Rural Readiness Program and a grant fund to help rural communities build capacity, support planning efforts, and improve access to economic development funding.
| | |
HOUSING
House Bill 894 - Land Use - Transit-Oriented Development - Alterations (Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act) pushes more development near transit, giving those projects financial advantages, and reduces local control over zoning decisions in those areas.
Senate Bill 624 - Public Safety - Short-Term Rental Units - Safety (Jilliam and Lindsay Wiener Short-Term Rental Safety Act adds new safety requirements and inspections for short-term rentals, including fire equipment, evacuation plans, and local oversight.
Senate Bill 651 - Real Property – Transfer–on–Death Deed – Establishment allows property to be transferred directly to a beneficiary upon death without going through probate.
Senate Bill 82 - Criminal Law - Counterfeiting and Possession of Counterfeit Lease of Real Property - Penalty strengthens existing counterfeiting laws by making it illegal to create, use, or possess fraudulent leases or rental agreements, with violators subject to current felony and misdemeanor penalties.
Senate Bill 937 - Landlord and Tenant - Residential Leases - Prospective Tenant Criminal History Records Check (Maryland Fair Chance Housing Act) prohibits a landlord from reviewing criminal history when considering tenants, landing another hit on landlords.
Senate Bill 12 - Residential Rental Apartments - Air-Conditioning Requirement requires landlords of apartment buildings with 10 or more units to provide air conditioning in rental units during the summer months, with systems capable of keeping temperatures at or below 80°F.
| |
VEHICLES & TRANSPORTATION
House Bill 306 - Vehicle Laws - Manufacturers and Dealers - Prices Listed on Dealer Websites (Jack Fitzgerald Price Transparency Act) allows car dealers to be upfront about pricing, increasing transparency and helping consumers find better deals.
Senate Bill 395 - Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Programs - Insurance and Liability updates insurance and liability rules for peer-to-peer car sharing to clarify coverage and responsibility.
Senate Bill 111 - Vehicle Laws - Out-of-State Vehicles - Improper Registration cracks down on Maryland residents who register vehicles out of state to avoid taxes, requiring them to re-register in Maryland within 60 days of notice.
Senate Bill 38 - Vehicle Laws - Ignition Interlock System Program - Required Participation expands the Ignition Interlock requirement to all drivers who violate alcohol restrictions, not just those under 21. Failure to complete the program results in a mandatory one-year license suspension.
I was a proud sponsor of Senate Bill 956 - Maryland Transportation Authority - Video Tolls - Collection which would allow the MDTA to reduce excessive toll penalties after referral to the Central Collection Unit, helping address inflated debts where fines exceed the original toll. While tolls would still be owed, penalties could be reduced. Despite strong efforts, the bill was held in the House Environment and Transportation Committee. I plan to reintroduce it next year and continue fighting for a fairer system.
I also proudly co-sponsored Senate Bill 896 - Vehicle Laws - Registration Fees - Alterations which would have significantly lowered vehicle registration fees for Marylander drivers; an issue that directly impacts affordability for families across the state.
At a time when costs are already rising, Marylanders deserve solutions that lower expenses, not add to them. Unfortunately, this bill never made it out of committee.
| |
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Senate Bill 177 - Criminal Law - Obstruction or Interference With Exercise of Religious Beliefs - Prohibition makes it a misdemeanor to use force, threats, or obstruction to interfere with someone exercising religious freedom at a place of worship, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
| |
CONSUMERS, GAMING & TECHNOLOGY
Senate Bill 437 - Criminal Law – Theft and Fraud Crimes – Valuation and Forgery of Gift Cards makes it a crime to tamper with gift cards to commit fraud and sets their value in theft cases, with penalties of up to 18 months in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Senate Bill 893 - Business Regulation - Rounding Cash Transactions - Authorization allows Maryland businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents, potentially shifting small costs to either consumers or businesses.
Senate Bill 56 - Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center - External Data Sharing With Third-Party Data Centers for Multistate Reporting - Authorization tracks outcomes across states to analyze student success in the workforce, regardless of residency. This enables the State to properly plan for the future of education in Maryland.
Senate Bill 581 - Department of Information Technology - Statewide Information Technology Master Plan - Reporting requires the State to timely develop and publish its IT Master Plan online, provide updates, and give annual briefings to lawmakers on progress and implementation *Proud Sponsor*
Senate Bill 662 - Financial Institutions - Payment Stablecoin Services - Establishment and Regulation (Maryland Stablecoin Act) establishes state oversight of stablecoin-related (cryptocurrency) businesses, requiring licensing and granting regulators authority to approve, monitor, and enforce rules for these digital financial services.
House Bill 289 - Video Lottery Facility Payouts - Intercepts for Restitution Payments, Child Support Payments, and Debts Owed to the State ensures winnings from video lottery are applied first to outstanding obligations, including restitution, child support, and debts owed to the State.
Senate Bill 453 - Horse Racing - Laurel Park - Arabian Breed Racing Authorization allows Laurel Park to host Arabian horse racing during the Preakness, preserving this tradition. *Proud Sponsor*
| |
ELECTIONS, VOTING & GOVERNMENT OVERSIGHT
Senate Bill 241 - Election Law - Individuals Released from State Correctional Facilities - Automatic Restoration of Voter Registration automatically re-registers individuals to vote upon release from incarceration, raising concerns about reduced safeguards and a system that prioritizes speed over accountability in voter registration.
Senate Bill 255 - Voting Rights Act of 2026 - Counties and Municipal Corporations creates new election rules that limit certain voting systems, expands who can sue local governments over elections, and gives courts broad power to step in and change how elections are run.
Senate Bill 354 - Business Regulation - Charitable Organizations - Audit and Review Thresholds updates audit and review thresholds for charitable organizations, allowing nonprofits to operate under modernized financial standards while focusing oversight on larger-scale operations.
Senate Bill 100 - Election Law - Early Voting Centers - Bus Stops requires local transit routes to include stops at early voting centers.
| |
TAX CREDITS
Senate Bill 468 - Local Government - Grant for Recipients of State Child Tax Credit - Authorization allows counties to create grant programs for low-income families with children, with flexibility to set eligibility and benefit amounts.
Senate Bill 805 - Income Tax - Student Loan Debt Relief Tax Credit - Alterations offers Marylanders additional time to repay student loan debt if there are extenuating circumstances.
Senate Bill 607 - Income Tax - Subtraction Modification for Public Safety Retirement Income - Amount which increases the amount of subtraction modification that public safety employees can claim from $15,000 to $20,000. *Proud Co-Sponsor*
Senate Bill 262 - Income Tax - Subtraction Modification for Classroom Supplies Purchased by Teachers - Alterations expands a tax deduction for educator expenses to include full-time public pre-K teachers in full-day programs. *Proud Co-Sponsor*
House Bill 1330 - Homeowners Property Tax Credit - Year-Round Application enables homeowners’ to apply for the homeowners’ property tax credit year-round, rather than during a limited period.
House Bill 175 - Income Tax Credit - Venison Donation - Alterations increases the tax credit for donating deer meat to charitable programs, increasing the annual cap from $300 to $600 per person.
Senate Bill 309 – Sales and Use Tax – Precious Metal Bullion or Coins – Exemption eliminates the sales tax on purchases of precious metal bullion and coins by removing previous limits on price and location, making these transactions tax-free statewide. *Proud Sponsor*
| |
SCHOLARSHIPS
Senate Bill 7 - Higher Education - Douglas J. J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship - Repeal of Termination Date allows this scholarship to be awarded and renewed beyond June 30, 2030.
Senate Bill 285 - Higher Education- Scholarships for Correctional Officers expands an existing State scholarship program for police officers and probation agents to also include correctional officers and individuals in certificate programs and renames the program accordingly.
Senate Bill 486 - Higher Education - Maryland Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program - Eligible Institutions expands eligibility to include students at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore enrolled in specific advanced health-related degree programs
| | 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. | | |
Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy |
| | | |
