A bill to provide an exemption from certain Jones Act restrictions for vessels that arrive at or depart from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore, and for other purposes.

Bill 118 s 4694, also known as the "Jones Act Exemption for Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore Act," is a piece of legislation that aims to provide an exemption from certain restrictions imposed by the Jones Act for vessels that arrive at or depart from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore. The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that all goods transported by water between US ports be carried on vessels that are built, owned, and operated by US citizens or permanent residents.

The bill seeks to exempt vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Baltimore from this requirement in order to promote economic growth and competitiveness for the port. Supporters of the bill argue that this exemption will allow for more efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers in the region.

In addition to the exemption for the Port of Baltimore, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to the Jones Act. The specifics of these provisions are not detailed in the summary, but it is clear that the primary focus of the bill is on providing relief for vessels operating in and out of the Port of Baltimore. Overall, Bill 118 s 4694 represents an effort to support the economic development and competitiveness of the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore by providing an exemption from certain Jones Act restrictions. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress and will require further debate and potential amendments before it can become law.