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Annapolis Update:
Sunday, February 1, 2026 | | |
Dear Community Members,
I hope you were able to enjoy a safe and uneventful snow day. I spent mine behind the wheel of a plow, clearing driveways throughout Joppa. It was rewarding to be out in the community and to see neighbors looking out for one another. I want to extend my thanks to our first responders, law enforcement officers, linemen, and all those who worked through the storm to keep roads passable across the communities I represent. While some of us were able to slow down, many stepped up to protect public safety and maintain essential services, and those efforts do not go unnoticed.
The snowfall also led to an unusually irregular week. With schools closed, the Maryland General Assembly operated on a rare and unconventional schedule. In fact, since 1637, there has never been a legislative week that included one missed session, one regular session, and three pro forma sessions. That lost time will be made up. As we move toward April, this will likely mean consecutive floor sessions and possible weekend work. Our legislative pages were part of this historic week, and we thank them for their professionalism, flexibility, and commitment. We hope the experience proved both memorable and educational.
This week, a post circulating online raised concerns about energy reliability and potential risks to the electric grid. After contacting the Public Service Commission, I was informed that the Brandon Shores Reliability Must Run Agreement had been activated. Both units were operating at full capacity, consistent with federal approval, generating 635 megawatts per unit.
| Maryland Public Television: State Circle | |
Last week on State Circle, I joined an MPT interview with Senator Cory McCray and Jeff Selkin to discuss the state budget. While the proposal reduces some mandated spending, it ultimately functions as a band-aid budget, shuffling funds in a game of three-card monte rather than addressing Maryland’s long-term structural challenges. Although the bill includes technically no explicit tax or fee increases, it shifts more than $3 billion in costs elsewhere, effectively passing the burden along.
In many respects, this budget serves as an appetizer for next year’s main course, one I believe will be far more painful, given the high structural costs already built into state government. The Governor’s proposal includes $150 million in targeted reductions to the Developmental Disabilities Administration.
History shows that once major programs are cut, such as the significant reductions made to the Highway User Fund, it can take years to restore funding.
That is why any reductions must be approached carefully, deliberately, and with long-term consequences in mind.
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Accountability matters. It’s one of the most important lessons we expect young people to learn.
When a minor commits a traffic offense, Maryland law already holds them accountable. They must appear in court, pay the fine, accept points on their license, and face higher insurance costs. Parents are notified. The consequences are real, and in most cases, the lesson sticks. What doesn’t make sense is what happens after.
Under current law, certain traffic offenses committed by minors remain publicly visible on Maryland Judiciary Case Search for decades. A speeding ticket at 17 can follow someone into adulthood, surfacing during job interviews, military enlistment, housing applications, or professional licensing reviews. That isn’t accountability, it’s overreach.
The inconsistency is even more troubling. Serious juvenile offenses, including violent crimes, are shielded from public view once adjudicated, while minor traffic violations remain publicly searchable. A teenage speeding ticket can be easier to find than far more serious conduct. That imbalance makes no sense.
Some argue this transparency protects the public or deters bad behavior. But traffic citations already carry consequences and are not crimes. Senate Bill 310 restores balance. It preserves accountability without turning a youthful mistake into a lifetime label.
The hearing is scheduled for February 4th at 11:00am in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. To testify, please follow these instructions. You must sign-up to testify on Monday, February 2nd from 8am - 6pm.
| Senate Bill 309 - Sales & Use Tax -
Precious Metal Bullion or Coins - Exemption | |
Last year, Maryland began taxing bullion purchases at 6%, on purchases under $1,000. The only exemption was sales made at the Baltimore Convention Center to accommodate for one coin show (of many) in the state. That had rippling effects.
I wrote Senate Bill 309 - Sales and Use Tax - Precious Metal Bullion or Coins - Exemption to correct that in support of small businesses and small investors. This bill was heard in the Budget & Taxation Committee, on which I serve, and received a generally positive response.
Key Points:
- We are currently one in only 5 states that tax bullion.
- Marylanders are concerned about the economy and small investments add up- those aren't happening in this state now, thanks to the tax.
- Sales tax is not charged on stocks or bonds. So why charge 6% sales tax up front on bullion and then impose a capital gains tax later? That’s double-dipping, and it’s not right.
- Indirect revenue is being fed to other states when coin shows move out of the state, as buyers avoid Maryland's unique sales tax.
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The largest coin shop in Maryland saw a 72% loss on showroom sales- it makes me sick to hear that.
A special thank you to my outstanding panel of witnesses, including members of Citizens for Sound Money, the Sound Money Defense League, and the Sound Money Association of Maryland. I was also joined by local coin shop owners who shared firsthand how this issue has significantly impacted the growth of their small businesses.
The bill was cross-filed in the House by Delegate Hartman and is scheduled for a hearing on February 12 at 1:00 p.m. If you were unable to testify on SB 309, I encourage you to consider testifying on HB 500. Please contact Delegate Hartman's office for details on how to testify in the House of Delegates.
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Maryland's Chalk Power Plant:
Back in Action
This photo of Maryland’s Chalk Power Plant in Southern Maryland was taken on Tuesday morning.
In 2021, it was a coal powered facility that closed due to legislative policies passed by the supermajority at Maryland General Assembly.
Rather than letting the facility sit idle, taking much needed generation offline, the owner chose to reinvest - retooling the plant to run on liquid natural gas (LNG) and oil.
Today, the plant is back online at full capacity, supplying the reliable electricity we depend on to keep our homes warm and the lights on.
This is one thing that can be done to lower our electric rates, retool the closed plants. We needed this generation and I'm incredibly grateful for the increased generation coming back online.
I have a package of Energy Bills that I will announce shortly to address this crisis in Maryland. Stay tuned.
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Redistricting is moving forward with House Bill 488 - Election Districts - General Assembly and Representatives in Congress, which was heard Tuesday in the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. Like many of you, I grew up hearing the phrase, “two wrongs don’t make a right.”
In a moment of irony, a colleague testified that voices should not be suppressed or silenced, yet this bill does exactly that, which is why the Senate President has opposed it.
At the same time, several common-sense, pre-filed bills remain stuck in the Rules Committee, while HB 488 has barreled through the House despite a strong majority of public testimony opposing it.
This contrast highlights the lopsided politics at play in Annapolis, where the supermajority continues to tilt the process in its favor.
The proposed map is unconstitutional, violating the requirement that districts be contiguous, and the decision to add three additional representatives to Baltimore City is brazen. I, along with many of my fellow Senate Republicans, sponsored Senate Bill 104 - Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Legislative and Congressional Redistricting and Apportionment Commission (Fair Districts for Maryland Act), which would amend the Maryland Constitution to establish a fair, transparent, and nonpartisan redistricting process.
This legislation removes map-drawing from political hands and places it with an independent commission, ensuring districts are drawn based on communities, not political advantage.
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"Instead of this transfer taking place in prison, in the jails, it’s going to be taken somewhere on the street where ICE is having to come in and look for them," Sen. J.B. Jennings, a Republican representing Baltimore and Harford counties, said in a Tuesday news conference.
As you may know, there are currently two bills addressing immigration enforcement in Maryland: Senate Bill 1 – Public Safety – Law Enforcement Officers – Prohibition on Face Coverings, and Senate Bill 245 – Public Safety – Immigration Enforcement Agreements – Prohibition.
In its current form, SB 1 would require law enforcement agencies in Maryland to adopt policies prohibiting on-duty officers, including state, local, and certain federal officers operating in Maryland, from wearing face coverings such as balaclavas, ski masks, or neck gaiters, except in limited undercover or safety-related circumstances. The bill would also apply to federal ICE agents operating in Maryland, with only narrow exceptions for extreme weather or health-related reasons.
Under the bill, an ICE agent found to be wearing a mask to obscure their identity could face a $1,500 fine and be entered into Maryland Judiciary Case Search, with their home address made publicly available. This raises serious safety concerns, particularly in light of the sharp increase in threats against federal law enforcement officers.
Several Republican amendments were offered and ultimately voted down, including proposals to reduce the fine to better align with comparable civil penalties; apply unmasking requirements equally to protesters rather than singling out law enforcement; and protect officers by listing their official work address, rather than their home address, in public records.
Senate Bill 245 - Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition, meanwhile, would prohibit 287(g) agreements and prevent local law enforcement agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities in certain enforcement activities. I have concerns that this approach would further limit coordination between agencies and reduce opportunities for immigration enforcement to occur in controlled, secure environments.
It is important to consider the safety of all individuals involved, including those subject to immigration enforcement. When individuals are already in custody, such as in a jail or detention facility, ICE transfers can occur peacefully, securely, and out of public view, reducing the risk of confrontation, panic, or harm to bystanders. Conducting enforcement actions in crowded public settings increases the likelihood of confusion, escalation, and danger for officers, the public, and the individuals being detained.
I do not believe SB 1 or SB 245, strike the right balance between transparency, public safety, and officer protection.
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Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act:
For years, we have heard about how people are retiring in other states. Here is one thing that may keep Marylanders in their homes for years to come. Although the ages should be 10 years younger.
Senate Bill 382 - Retire in Maryland Tax Relief Act offers a state income tax credit for individuals 77 and older. So, whether you're getting a pension check, pulling social security, or still working, your tax burden will be reduced at age 77.
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Gun Tax:
Senate Bill 118 - Comprehensive Community Safety Funding Act would charge an 11% excise tax to law abiding citizens, rather than criminals.
This bill places a new tax on firearms dealers based on their sales of firearms, accessories, and ammunition. While it’s framed as a tax on businesses, the cost will inevitably be passed on to customers, meaning higher prices for Marylanders who follow the law, pass background checks, and responsibly own firearms.
Law-abiding citizens are not the cause of violent crime. Criminals don’t purchase firearms legally, and they won’t pay this tax. Instead, working families, sportsmen, and responsible gun owners are penalized, while repeat violent offenders who ignore the law remain the real problem.
Public safety should be about enforcing the law, holding criminals accountable, and preventing crime, not imposing new taxes on responsible citizens to paper over budget problems.
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Senator J.B. Jennings invites you to apply for the 2026 Legislative District 7 Senatorial Scholarship.
Each Legislative District offers a Senatorial Scholarship. Unfortunately, I am only able to offer my Senatorial Scholarship to residents in Legislative District 7 - Baltimore & Harford Counties.
Unsure if you live in Legislative District 7? Check your address here.
For additional scholarship information, check out MHEC’s website: State Financial Assistance Programs & Applications
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Additional Scholarship Information
Check out MHEC’s website which includes State Financial Assistance Programs & Applications
Important Due Dates:
- March 1:
- FAFSA
- Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant,
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Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant (plus a deadline to submit required documents by August 1)
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Part-Time Grant (contact your institution)
- April 15:
- MD Community College Promis Scholarship for 2026-2027
- May 1:
- Charles W. Riley Firefighter & Ambulance & Rescue Squad Member Scholarship
- June 1:
- Community College Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities Receiving SSI or SSDI
- July 1:
- Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program
- Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program
- July 15:
- Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy and Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship
- Fallen Transportation Workers Scholarship Program
- September 15:
- Maryland Police Officer Scholarship
- October 1:
- Veterans of Afghanistan & Iraq Conflicts Scholarship
- Richard Collins III Leadership Scholarship
- Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP)
- October 15:
- 2+2 Transfer Scholarship
- December 1:
- Teaching Fellows
- Maryland Loan Assistance Repayment Program for Foster Care Recipients
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Harford County
Harford County has maintained its AAA bond rating, which is great news for residents and shows a strong sign of continued fiscal stability.
The Harford County Sheriff's Office is hiring and actively seeking new recruits. This is a great opportunity for those interested in serving their community and making a meaningful impact.
Harford County continues to offer a wide range of events and activities, from stained glass classes at Eden Mill to pickleball lessons and group fitness opportunities. Families can also find homeschool programs and gym memberships. To see everything that’s available, check out the full events calendar here.
When emergencies happen, preparation matters. Make sure you’re signed up to receive Harford County EMS alerts so you can stay informed when it counts most.
| | Out and About in Baltimore County | |
Middle River Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company Awards Banquet:
I was honored to recognize our volunteer firefighters and EMS responders, the true backbone of our community. Baltimore County firehouses played a critical role in the aftermath of the Key Bridge collapse, and it was a privilege to meet with and thank those who stepped up when it mattered most.
Bowleys Quarters Volunteer
Fire Department:
Last week, I visited Bowleys Quarters to meet with Fire Chief Stallings, Baltimore County Councilman David Marks, and Josh Sines, President of EMRCC and a candidate for Baltimore County Council.
During our conversation, I learned more about the financial challenges facing volunteer fire companies, including limited funding for essential operational needs such as fuel for emergency responses and personal protective equipment for volunteers. These are serious concerns that deserve thoughtful consideration and sustained attention. If you would like to support the Bowleys Quarters please visit their website.
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