Newly seated and returning members introduce themselves at Transportation Committee orientation

Chair Tom Welsh opened the Transportation Committee’s organizational meeting by asking members to introduce themselves and then shifted to orientation topics including calendar notices, electronic-device use during hearings, and committee procedures.

The session’s introductions highlighted a mix of veteran and newly elected representatives who said they requested assignment to transportation. Representative Seth Miller, a first-term member, said, “I’m excited, mostly about aerospace transportation stuff,” and Representative Charlie Sinclair, returning for a fourth term, said he hears “an awful lot from my constituents about transportation issues.” Chair Tom Welsh, who said he has served seven terms and is serving his third term as chair, told the committee: “Even though like transportation isn't my career, it's got wheels, flies, or floats. I find it fascinating and that's why I've always sought this committee.”

Welsh covered committee mechanics and expectations and asked members to check the weekly calendar for start times. He advised use of the legislative email account for committee business and discouraged eating at the committee table during public hearings. He also reviewed the process for public hearings, executive sessions, amendments (prepared by the Office of Legislative Services), and committee reporting to the House, and described staff resources available to members.

Welsh emphasized decorum and the committee’s practice of channeling questions through the chair during hearings. He noted that the committee could act on bills the same day as their hearing under Rule 44(b) when appropriate and described options for bills that need more work, including subcommittees and interim study. He reminded members of the new financial-disclosure requirements and the possibility of recusal under the updated law.

The chair closed by asking members to watch the calendar for the committee’s next meeting and by thanking agency presenters and the staff. Several members noted the committee’s collegial atmosphere: Representative Ted Gorski said the committee should “treat each other with respect” and described transportation as “one of the best” committees in tone and cooperation.

The meeting then proceeded to agency presentations from the Department of Safety, State Police, Marine Patrol, Department of Motor Vehicles, Fish and Game, Department of Transportation and industry groups.