Rep. Fiona McFarland, Republican of Sarasota, has been named chairwoman of the House Transportation and Modalities Committee for the upcoming legislative session. This isn’t McFarland’s first time leading the committee, as he chaired it last year and played a crucial role in crafting key transportation legislation.

During the previous session, the committee worked on several important bills, including HB 709, which addressed motorcycle safety, and HB 741, which addressed school bus safety. They were also responsible for the passage of HB 949, which requires a driver’s license to operate a golf cart. Additionally, the committee played a critical role in authorizing the installation of speed cameras in school zones and drafting a bill (HB 1305) authorizing state inspections of Disney’s monorail system.

Looking ahead, the committee is also concerned about the future of transportation. Last year, they discussed legislation (HB 425) aimed at modernizing highways to accommodate autonomous vehicles. McFarland stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of these vehicles during committee meetings.

McFarland’s dedication and experience in the transportation field has not gone unnoticed. She recently received the Future of Mobility Leadership Award at the Florida Autonomous Vehicle Summit, presented by former Senator Jeff Brandes. This further highlights their commitment to being at the forefront of innovative transportation solutions.

In addition to chairing the Transportation and Modalities Committee, McFarland will also serve on the Infrastructure Strategies Committee and several subcommittees. With her extensive experience in the private and military sectors, McFarland is well prepared to lead these committees and create positive change in Florida’s transportation landscape.

Sources: None.