THIS WEEK IN DOVER

By Tyler Micik

​​Today wraps up an eventful week. On Tuesday, Matt Meyer was sworn in as Delaware’s 76th governor at Delaware State University, officially marking the beginning of a new administration. Following his swearing-in ceremony, Governor Meyer signed Executive Order No. 1. The order “establishes a statewide working group consisting of at least 15 members from across labor, educational, and nongovernmental sectors, with the ultimate goal of developing proposed processes and policies to expand youth apprenticeships and workforce development across the state.” You can view the order here. 
 
The Senate Executive Committee held hearings on several of Governor Meyer’s cabinet nominations this week and more are scheduled for next week. Also, Senate Bill 46 was heard in the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee. It was released from Committee and has been placed on the Senate Ready List. The proposal would require a human observer to be physically present in all autonomous vehicles that require a Class A commercial driver license without an O restriction—meaning tractor-trailers or trucks transporting large loads. The State Chamber testified in opposition stating:
 
“Autonomous Vehicles (AV’s) could help augment the workforce and solve supply chain issues and workforce shortages. According to the American Trucking Association, there’s a nationwide shortage of nearly 80,000 truck drivers and that’s set to double by 2031. Delaware needs truck drivers and AVs. Delaware should be supporting AV operations and reducing barriers to the deployment of AV’s. No other state requires a human observer to be present in the vehicle. If passed, this will make Delaware an outlier and could forestall AV investment, development, and operations in the state.”
 
The General Assembly returns to session on Tuesday and will then go on Joint Finance Commtitee break through March 6th.