The Democratic-controlled Maryland General Assembly on Monday approved a bill to help Port of Baltimore employees affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.
The March 26 bridge collapse and its impact on a major economic engine prompted lawmakers to take action in the final two weeks of the legislative session.
The bill would authorize the use of state emergency funds to assist longshoremen who lose their jobs and are ineligible for unemployment insurance while ports are closed or partially closed.
Maryland Legislature focuses on bridge collapse relief as legislative session adjourns
On March 26, the cargo ship Dali sits underwater after colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. (Tassos Katopodis/Getty Images)
“This is going to make a difference to our staff,” Baltimore County Republican Sen. Johnny Ray Salling told reporters Monday.
The bill also would allow the governor to tap into state reserves to help some small businesses avoid laying off workers and encourage businesses relocating to other ports to return to Baltimore once the port reopens. It is also acknowledged that it is encouraged.
“While we are proud as an administration and as a state to respond to the Key Bridge crisis, we also remember that we have an aggressive legislative package to get us through this issue. I’m proud of the results,” Democratic Gov. Wes Moore told reporters.
Moore is expected to sign the emergency bill on Tuesday, which will take effect immediately.
Crews begin removing containers from barge that crashed into Baltimore Bridge
On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland collapsed after colliding with a large cargo ship, sending multiple people underwater, prompting a massive emergency response. (Jasper Colt/USA Today)
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“Tomorrow, I will proudly sign the Port Act into law,” the governor wrote on X (formerly Twitter) Monday night. “This legislation will help businesses and workers affected by the Key Bridge collapse.”
Lawmakers also gave final approval to the state’s $63 billion budget on Friday, agreeing to increases in some taxes and fees to help pay for transportation and education.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
