Maryland lawmakers enter last day working on aid to port employees after Baltimore bridge collapse

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland lawmakers will convene Monday for the final day of their legislative session, largely putting the finishing touches on priority legislation that includes a measure to help employees at the Port of Baltimore affected by the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The measure authorizing use of the state’s rainy day fund to help port employees has strong support and was expected to pass. The stunning March 26 bridge collapse and its impact on a key economic engine prompted lawmakers to act in the last two weeks of the session.

“One of our top priorities for Sine Die is to pass the PORT Act to assist all who have been impacted by the collapse of the Key Bridge,” Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones, a Baltimore County Democrat, said in a statement, referring to the Latin phrase used for the last day of the session. “Our members have important bills that still need to get across the finish line, so I’m looking forward to a productive last day.”

A measure to rebuild Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, home of the second leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, remained before lawmakers, who face a midnight deadline for adjournment.

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