The state Senate voted unanimously Sunday to pass House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones’ legislation that would send $580 million more to the state’s four historically black colleges and universities over 10 years.

The legislation had already passed the House of Delegates by a 129-2 vote. It now goes to Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk for his consideration.

The money would help the schools create academic programs, expand scholarships, recruit faculty and market the schools.

The legislation is designed to force the state to settle a long-running lawsuit that alleges Maryland’s government made decisions that harmed the viability of historically black colleges and universities.

This post originally appeared on The Baltimore Sun.