The following article has been submitted by Sixth District Delegate Bob Long about his legislation to deal with the effects of the Key Bridge collapse
It has been nearly two years since the Key Bridge collapsed yet our community continues to deal with the fallout: prolonged commute times, deteriorating road conditions, and job losses. That is why I am sponsoring legislation that will give back to the residents of District 6.
HB 1379- Vehicle Laws – Vehicle Registration Fees – Sixth Legislative District. This bill will reduce vehicle registration fees by $50 for motor vehicles owned and registered by a resident of the Sixth Legislative District until the Francis Scott Key Bridge reopens. I want the State of Maryland to give the residents of District 6 a discount on their vehicle registration. While our community has endured significant hardship since the bridge collapse, this discount provides some needed relief. I hope this translates into an accelerated timeline for the bridge’s reconstruction.
HB1072- State Procurement – Preferences – Francis Scott Key Bridge Reconstruction. This bill gives procurement preference in the purchase of supplies or services for State contracts related to the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for vendors from the 6th legislative district. Local businesses have suffered significantly since the loss of the Key Bridge. It is only right that the reconstruction project prioritizes our community, turning the rebuilding process into a vital source of new employment and economic recovery. From landscaping to painting as well as janitorial services, this is just some of the work involved in completing the bridge. I’ve heard from constituents who applied for a job but were turned down, and it was given to a company that is based outside of Maryland. This is completely unacceptable. Our residents should be at the top of the list for jobs related to the Key Bridge if the company is qualified to do the work and they aren’t overbidding the job.
I also presented HB726 Maryland Transportation Authority – Francis Scott Key Bridge – Naming. In an era where monuments are being removed and some want to rewrite history, I want to advocate for the preservation of the Key Bridge’s original name. Maintaining its identity is a vital part of honoring our local history. This is why I am working to codify the name into law.
I am looking for residents to testify on my legislation regarding registration fees and procurement preferences for Key Bridge reconstruction.
If you would like to testify in support of this legislation, please reach out to my office at 410-841-3458 or bob.long@house.maryland.gov. The committee hearings for these bills are scheduled for March 5, 2026, and March 11, 2026, respectively. Your support is needed to represent our community’s hardship resulting from the Key Bridge loss.
