Bill > HB726

This bill mandates that upon the completion of a new bridge replacing the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River, the Maryland Transportation Authority, which is the state agency responsible for transportation infrastructure, must officially name the new structure the "Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge." This naming requirement is intended to honor the original bridge and its namesake, Francis Scott Key, a prominent figure in American history. The bill also makes conforming changes to existing Maryland law to reflect this new name in various contexts, such as defining transportation facilities and regulating activities in specific waterways. The provisions related to these conforming changes are contingent on the new bridge's completion and will become void if the new bridge is not open to traffic by December 31, 2031. The overall act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, pending these conditions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0726?ys=2026RS