Senator J.B. Jennings

09/01/2026

Maryland estimated that the 3% Technology Tax would bring in approximately $500 million. In 2025, I debated that the general assembly made a mistake in 2007 with taxing tech services and came back for a special session to reverse it.

One company had to pay $15K more a month. We are a technology capital. Why would the supermajority push forward a revenue-seeking tax that punishes such a stable industry in Maryland? I wonder what impact it had on retaining federal employees.

Maryland’s new IT services tax raised $112.8 million in its first year — $387 million below initial projections — while businesses say they are already absorbing higher costs and compliance burdens.

09/01/2026

We are winning! Two cases, same outcome. Will the Maryland Supreme Court agree this Thursday?

09/01/2026

September 1st… 🍂

The unofficial start of fall is here, the General Election campaign season is in full swing!

I'd love your support by placing a Lawn Sign at your home or place of business.

Fill out the form below, and I'll stop by and bring you a sign.

09/01/2026

There is still demolition to be completed for the Francis Scott Key Bridge project, almost three years after the initial collapse. As a result, there is an open contract for a demo crew. I'd love to see a Maryland business secure this contract.

If you know a demolition company who would be interested in bidding for this contract, please forward this along to them. There is a September 3, 2026, pre-bid meeting at 10:00 a.m., at 6701 Baymeadow Drive, Suite B, in Glen Burnie, MD 20160.

The meeting is not required, but bidders are encouraged to attend.

https://emma.maryland.gov/page.aspx/en/bpm/process_manage_extranet/94391

09/01/2026

📢 Baltimore County residents have a chance to weigh in on the future of data centers.

Two public hearings are happening this week, including Tuesday’s hearing on a proposal to extend the county’s current data center moratorium through 2027.

The Planning Board will also hold a Thursday hearing on a 51-page study examining where data centers should be allowed, how they should be regulated, and their potential impacts on water, electricity, neighborhoods, agriculture and county revenue.

With a new County Council taking office in December, public input could play an important role in shaping what comes next.

Read the full story from WYPR: https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2026-08-31/baltimore-county-residents-get-a-chance-to-weigh-in-on-data-centers

A one year extension of a moratorium that is currently in place appears likely. The council will hold a hearing on the legislation on Tuesday. It would extend the current moratorium that was to expire by the end of this year.

09/01/2026

💵 Community Improvement Grants are now open!

The Baltimore County Department of Planning is accepting applications for the FY27 Community Improvement Grants program. Over $2 million available for community-based capital projects across Baltimore County with awards ranging from $3,000-$200,000!

Want to Learn More? Hear from the Department of Planning at these upcoming events!
💻 Informational Webinar
Thursday, September 10 at noon
📍 Workshops: Community Leaders Summit
Monday, October 5 (times varies)

Eligible projects may include: Murals & public art, Bike racks, planters & security cameras, Community gardens, Improvements to community-owned buildings & properties & more!

📅 Application Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026 at 3 p.m.

💻 Learn more, review eligibility requirements, and apply:
https://planninggrantopportunities-bc-gis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/community-improvement-grants

08/31/2026

My office received this attachment today from the Maryland Department of Labor regarding Maryland’s new Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program.

Beginning January 1, 2028, eligible employees will be able to receive up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for reasons including the birth or adoption of a child, a serious health condition, caring for a loved one, or certain military-related family needs.

Beginning January 1, 2027, employers will be responsible for collecting contributions to fund the program, with up to half of those contributions potentially coming from employee payroll deductions. All Maryland employers with at least one employee are required to register for the program.

I voted against this legislation.

Maryland needs to focus on creating an environment where businesses can grow, hire more employees, and remain competitive, not continually adding new mandates, costs, and regulations that make it harder to do business in our state. We should be looking for ways to make Maryland more business-friendly, support our employers, and encourage job creation.

I will continue to keep you informed about legislation that impacts Maryland families, employees, and businesses. Attached is the information provided to my office by the Maryland Department of Labor regarding the FAMLI program.

08/31/2026

NEWS: Remember the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project - the proposed 70-mile transmission line?

The state Public Service Commission, or PSC, approved a revised schedule pushing project completion into 2029.

Remember, power grid operator PJM originally requested a June 2027 in-service date.

DETAILS BELOW

08/31/2026

Still have your Water Service Line Self-Reporting Survey on your to-do list? Check it off the list by taking five minutes to report your water service line material to Baltimore County: tinyurl.com/BSLPSurvey

Need help? Call 410-887-3788 or email [email protected].

08/30/2026

🚨 NEW AUDIT REPORT: Harford County Public Schools (prior to Dr. Mack’s administration)

A Maryland Office of Legislative Audits report released August 25, 2026, identified several financial management issues within Harford County Public Schools (HCPS).

Among the findings:
• HCPS did not publish certain contract awards on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage as required by state law.
• HCPS did not execute formal written contracts or obtain required Board of Education approval for certain special education services.
• Equipment policies were not comprehensive, records were incomplete, and physical inventories were not conducted.
• The equipment-control issue was also identified in a prior audit dating back to 2008 and was repeated in the current report.
• The audit also identified cybersecurity-related findings, which are redacted from the public report under Maryland law.

HCPS reported approximately $841.2 million in total revenue and $886.3 million in expenditures for fiscal year 2025.

The auditors concluded that the corrective actions identified by HCPS were sufficient to address the issues raised in the report.

📄 Read the full audit report:
Maryland Office of Legislative Audits- HCPS Financial Management Practices Audit: https://ola.maryland.gov/umbraco/Api/ReportFile/ViewReport?fileId=6a907de6fd57d1c9c3e9a331