Annapolis Update: 
Sunday, March 8, 2026

Dear Community Members,

Daylight Saving Time began this morning, which means we “sprang forward” and lost an hour of sleep. As the days grow longer, the pace in Annapolis continues to pick up as the General Assembly moves deeper into the legislative session.

This week, the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee held hearings on the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (BRFA). The BRFA is typically used alongside the state budget to make adjustments to funding formulas, transfers, and other fiscal policies in order to balance Maryland’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

During this week’s discussion, lawmakers reviewed several proposals intended to close the state’s budget gap. These included measures that could temporarily restrict or redirect funding, adjust certain program spending, and modify how funds are allocated across state agencies. While the BRFA is often technical in nature, the decisions made through this legislation have real impacts on how taxpayer dollars are spent and how state programs operate.

The Senate takes great pride in its traditions, decorum, and adherence to procedure. I want to thank the Assistant Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Dawn Gile, for stepping up this week to skillfully carry out the Senate's procedural duties and adjourn the chamber each day. Her steady hand helped ensure that the Senate's work continued in the orderly and dignified manner that defines this institution. 

In addition, the Maryland Judiciary will be launching an updated website next week with a redesigned look and improved functionality. The new portal reflects the Judiciary’s commitment to using technology more effectively and responsibly by integrating the existing Maryland Case Search with the Maryland Judiciary Record Search platform. The goal is to make court records and information easier for the public to access while improving overall transparency.

I also hope you will join me later this month for an "Evening in Annapolis with Senator Jennings." Richardson Farms will be providing refreshments, and it will be a great opportunity to gather with neighbors, enjoy good conversation, and celebrate the work being done this legislative session while discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This event is FREE to all attendees. For more information or to RSVP, please email my office: jb.jennings@senate.maryland.gov.

JUVENILE JUSTICE:

Senate Bill 323 - Juvenile Court - Jurisdiction (Youth Charging Reform Act) was debated on the Senate Floor this week. Under current Maryland law, juveniles charged with certain serious offenses are automatically charged as adults and prosecuted in the adult criminal justice system. These offenses include crimes punishable by life imprisonment and a number of other violent offenses, such as assault, robbery, homicide, repeat sexual offenders, etc.

Senate Bill 323 would significantly change that structure by reducing the number of crimes that automatically place a juvenile in adult court and requiring more cases to begin in the juvenile justice system, with judges given greater discretion to determine whether a case should remain in juvenile court or be transferred to adult court.

I have raised concerns about accountability, public safety, and whether the juvenile system has the capacity to absorb additional serious cases.

During the floor debate, Senate Republicans offered several amendments aimed at addressing these concerns and strengthening public safety protections. Those amendments were ultimately voted down.

Additionally, during debate, requests were made for more detailed data supporting the policy changes proposed in the bill. When members asked that the legislation be special ordered, allowing additional time to review the data that informed the bill’s drafting, the request was denied and the debate continued.

It is important to note, that just this past Friday, multiple arrests were made following juvenile disturbances around White Marsh Mall and The Avenue.

FIREFIGHTERS:

Years ago, I co-sponsored 2024 Regular Session - Senate Bill 578, which made free cancer screenings available for professional and volunteer firefighters.

In 2025, the Jimmy Malone Act was enacted, requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for cancer screenings for career firefighters. The bill was drafted on behalf of Delegate Jimmy Malone, a friend, former colleague, and retired firefighter.

Building on these efforts, this year, I introduced Senate Bill 579- Counties- No-Cost Preventative Cancer Screenings for Volunteer Firefighters. This legislation is designed to meet the needs of our volunteer firefighters, who give so much to protect our communities and ask for little in return.

Senate Bill 579 will be heard in the Senate Finance Committee on March 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. 

If you are a firefighter who has received a cancer diagnosis, but isn't sure what the next step is, reach out to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.

There are many ways to support the volunteer fire companies that serve our communities.

One of the simplest ways to get involved is to connect with the firehouse closest to your home. Most departments maintain active websites and social media pages where you can learn about opportunities to volunteer, donate, or support their mission. Many also host community events such as bull roasts, food truck nights, open houses, and concerts.

Another great way is to host an event at their halls which are perfect for fundraisers, birthday parties, club meetings, and community gatherings. These rentals help provide important funding that supports equipment, training, and operations.

Click on the following links for information on volunteer fire companies serving Baltimore County and Harford County.

 Government Transparency and Oversight:



This week, I introduced emergency legislation to strengthen oversight of county school board contracts. Senate Bill 999 - County Boards of Education - Reappointments of County Superintendents of Schools - Audit Requirement (Local School System Fiscal Accountability Act) would prevent county school boards from approving multi-year superintendent contracts using outdated financial information and helps close a transparency gap in how these major decisions are made.

To read the news article about my bill, CLICK HERE.

I have also introduced legislation to restore access to public records for Inspectors General, ensuring these independent watchdogs can properly conduct investigations and hold government accountable. Inspectors General play a critical role in identifying waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs. However, in some cases their ability to access necessary records has been restricted, preventing them from fully carrying out their oversight responsibilities.

Senate Bill 991 - Public Information Act - Inspectors General - Access to Public Records clarifies that Inspectors General must have access to the information and documents needed to perform their duties. Strengthening this authority will help ensure transparency in government operations and provide taxpayers with the accountability they deserve.

To read the new article about my bill, CLICK HERE.

READ ACROSS AMERICA:

Tuesday marked Read Across America Day, a time to celebrate the importance of reading and lifelong learning.

In Annapolis, much of our reading involves Senate bills, audit reports, policy briefings, and countless constituent emails each week. While the material may not always be light reading, it represents the work required to thoughtfully review legislation and serve the people of Maryland.

Still, Read Across America Day is a good reminder of the value of taking time to read beyond our daily responsibilities.

Whether it’s a classic novel, a history book, or a favorite story shared with a child, I hope you’ll take a moment this week to celebrate the power of reading.

MDE GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

The Maryland Department of the Environment has released a new draft guide focused on improving how companies engage with communities when seeking environmental permits, and they're asking for your input. 

"Public Participation: A Guide for Applicants Seeking Environmental Permits," is designed to clarify expectations for outreach, public meetings, and hearings, particularly for communities located near industrial facilities.

While the guide does not create new legal requirements, it outlines how existing laws should be implemented. Highlights include:

• Hybrid public meetings to increase access
• Use of MDEnviroScreen to calculate Environmental Justice scores
• Outreach materials tailored for non-English speaking communities
• Expanded use of social media for notifications.

Public comments are being accepted through April 3, 2026.

To submit comments, email: ej.mde@maryland.gov

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
COMMUNITY INPUT NEEDED:


Proposed Changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver

Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration is hosting a webinar on March 11 to provide an overview of changes DDA is requesting to improve the long-term sustainability of the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program.

The webinar will also include a Question-and-Answer segment. The proposed changes to the current waiver will be considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We encourage the community to share feedback. DDA has opened a 30-day public comment period that runs through April 1, 2026.

Comments can be submitted to wfb.dda@maryland.gov or mailed to:

DDA Federal Programs Unit

201 West Preston Street, 4th Floor

Baltimore, MD 21201

General Overview Registration:

March 11, 2026 - 12pm registration

March 11, 2026 - 6pm registration

BALTIMORE COUNTY:

Baltimore County Department of Planning and Zoning has opened their grant process for Baltimore County Improvement Grants.

Funds are available for projects located inside the County’s Urban Rural Demarcation Line (URDL). Prioritizing projects within the URDL aligns with the County’s Master Plan goals to ensure a livable built environment, harmony with nature, a resilient economy, responsible regionalism, and healthy communities. This grant program supports community-based non-profit organizations in implementing these Master Plan goals as they are experienced at a neighborhood scale. 



Some examples of eligible projects are:

• Community gardens.
• Neighborhood Gateway and Wayfinding signage (including design, fabrication, and installation).
• Improvements to community-owned property and buildings including for use as community meeting space, performance venues, or to promote small business incubation.
• Improvements to a building occupied by a non-profit that will be open for use by the community and/or where services will be provided to the community.
• Commercial District directory kiosks, building improvements, benches, security cameras, bike racks, signage, or planters.
• Murals, sculptures, and other public art.
• Pedestrian or bicycle trail creation or enhancements.
• Playground, pocket-park or park enhancements that are not County-owned parks (County Department of Recreation and Parks has its own process for improvements to County parks and those interested should contact that Department).

HARFORD COUNTY:

The Seth Lark Foundation for Young Craftsmen, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Harford County dedicated to connecting non–college-bound students with experienced mentors in the skilled trades.

Through this mentorship model, the foundation pairs young individuals with professionals who can provide hands-on training, guidance, and real-world insight into the trades. These opportunities help students develop practical skills, understand the value of a strong work ethic, and build pride in their craftsmanship, ultimately encouraging them to pursue meaningful and rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

Email michele@sethlarkfoundation.org to place an ad.

Humane Society of Harford County

Did you know that the Humane Society of Harford County relies largely on its own fundraising to operate?

When animals are surrendered, or require spay or neuter procedures, vaccinations, and other medical treatment, the Humane Society of Harford County pays for those services using its own resources.

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. 

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Best regards,

Senator J.B. Jennings