The Montana Senate Transportation Committee on an audio/virtual meeting voted to adopt SR 40, a resolution to confirm five members of the state Transportation Commission, after approving an amendment to remove a Department of Transportation representative from the list of appointees subject to confirmation.

The resolution, presented by Celia Rigler of the governor's office, asked the committee to confirm the commission members. "My name is Celia Rigler ... I'm here on behalf of the governor's office, the lieutenant governor in support of SR 40, confirmation of transportation commission members," Rigler said. Rigler noted the commission consists of five members and that one member from districts 1, 3, 4 or 5 must have specific knowledge of Indian culture and tribal transportation needs, citing "MCA 2 15 25 0 2."

Department of Transportation Director Chris Dorrington also spoke in support. "I'm the director of Department of Transportation. Thanks for hearing this wonderful bill. It's a simple bill," Dorrington told the committee. Lauren Frazier, who identified herself as chair of the Transportation Commission and appeared remotely, said she supported the reappointments. Other commissioners who were described by DOT staff during the hearing include Cody Swartz, Scott Aspenlighter, Shane Sanders and a commissioner who identified as "Sansaver."

Committee members approved an amendment (SR0040001.001) to strike the reference to Bob Cloninger after testimony clarified that Cloninger is the department’s representative and not subject to confirmation. The amendment was moved and approved by voice/proxy vote. The committee then adopted SR 40 as amended by voice vote; the committee announced the adoption as unanimous.

The committee record indicates the amendment removing Cloninger was posted online before action and the committee completed the adoption without further debate. No additional conditions or follow-up tasks were stated on the record.