ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Michael Busch, the longest-serving Maryland House speaker in the state's history, has died. He was 72.
Alexandra Hughes, the speaker's chief of staff, said Busch died Sunday, surrounded by loved ones.
Busch, a progressive Democrat, had developed pneumonia after a follow-up procedure to a 2017 liver transplant. He also had heart bypass surgery in September, after experiencing shortness of breath.
Busch became speaker in 2003. He was known as a consensus builder and an approachable good listener, qualities that helped him manage the diverse 141-member House of Delegates for as long as he did.
Busch was first elected to the House in 1986. His district included the state capital of Annapolis.
Legislature Adjourns Tonight
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - The Maryland General
Assembly is entering the last day of its legislative session, with lawmakers grieving the loss of the Speaker.
The legislative session is scheduled to end at midnight Monday. Busch died Sunday afternoon at age 72.
Many high-profile bills already have passed, but lawmakers have work to do before adjournment.
The Senate is expected to vote on whether to override Gov. Larry Hogan's veto of a bill to put five oyster sanctuaries into state law. The measure was sponsored by Busch, and the House already has voted to override the veto.
A bill to increase the state's renewable electricity standard from 25% by 2020 to 50% by 2030 also is before lawmakers.
Another bill relates to background checks anytime someone buys a rifle or shotgun.
