Gov. Moore signs PORT Act, protection for state work zone workers

MARYLAND (DC News Now) — Gov. Wes Moore signed several bills into law on Tuesday including one piece of legislation that helps people impacted by Baltimore’s Key Bridge collapse.

The Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade Act also known as the PORT Act was one of five bills that Moore signed.

Governor Moore to provide financial support to employees, families of Baltimore bridge collapse

The Governor’s Office said the bipartisan legislation does a number of things including creating a new, permanent scholarship program for the families of transportation workers who die on the job.

“When tragedy struck our state, we banded together to support those affected by the Key Bridge collapse,” Moore said. “Together, we are proving what it means to be Maryland Tough and Baltimore Strong.”

Another bill the Maryland governor signed into law on Tuesday was the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act. The legislation which the Governor’s Office said implements the legislative recommendations of the Governor’s Work Zone Safety Work Group to protect Maryland road workers does a number of things.

The Road Worker Protection Act will:

• Increase the maximum penalty for work zone speed camera violations from $40 to $80 which will go into effect on June 1.

• Starting January 2025, there will be a tiered penalty system based on how much drivers exceed the speed limit in a work zone and if crews are working in that zone when the violation happens.

• Drivers who get caught speeding on camera can pay up to $1,000 in fines for speeding in work zones where crews are working.

There are still several bills the Maryland legislature passed that are awaiting Gov. Moore’s signature.

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One piece of legislature could create more affordable housing by removing hurdles for certain development projects.

Another bill passed by Maryland legislators requires Maryland Health Benefit Exchange apply for a federal waiver to allow people to buy health insurance despite their immigration status through the state’s health care exchange.

In response to the shooting death of Hagerstown Judge Andrew Wilkerson last year— a bill headed to Moore would allow a judge and family members who live with them to not have their personal information published online.

Before signing the bills, to law, Moore thanked lawmakers for their bipartisan effort, but also thanked people who live in the state for their effort as well.

“We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for all the activists, the advocates and the people who traveled to and from Annapolis all over the state over the past 90 days,” Gov. Moore said. “To every Marylander who contributed to the last 90 days you have my deepest gratitude. Our system endures because of you.”

A list of the bills Moore signed Tuesday can be found here.

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