SPONSOR: Riggs
This bill changes the way in which members of the State Highways and Transportation Commission are selected.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the number of members of the Commission will be one member from each congressional district appointed by the Governor, with not more than half of the members of the same political party; except that if there is an odd number of members, no more than half plus one can be of the same party. A member's seat will be considered forfeited and vacant if the member is found, by a unanimous vote of the other commissioners, to have moved from the congressional district from which such commissioner was appointed. A member also can be removed by the Governor upon a two-thirds vote of the House of Representatives and a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
Beginning January 1, 2026, the Governor must appoint two additional members of the commission from a list of six nominees submitted and approved by the General Assembly upon a two-thirds vote of each chamber. After these initial additional appointments by the Governor, subsequent appointments must be made by the Governor from a three-member nominee list approved by a two-thirds vote of each chamber.
Members of the commission are prohibited from accepting, directly or indirectly, a gift of any tangible or intangible item, service, or thing of value from any paid lobbyist. This does not prevent individuals from receiving gifts, family support, or anything of value from those related to them within the fourth degree by blood or marriage.
This bill is similar to HB 1811 (2024).
Statutes affected: