Powerful Transportation Committee Chaired by State Delegate With Prior Drunk Driving Arrest

One of the most powerful legislative committees in the General Assembly, and the one which has overwhelming control over matters pertaining to transportation, motorist, and traffic safety issues, is currently chaired by a State Delegate who previously plead guilty to a drunk driving offense.

In November 2014, House Speaker Busch selected Delegate Kumar Barve (D, Montgomery County) to chair the Environment and Transportation Committee.

In July 2008, Delegate Barve plead guilty to a DUI charge and was given "probation before judgement". This ruling permitted Barve to avoid a guilty verdict and all but $200 of the $1000 fine was suspended.

The arrest was not merely a "youthful indiscretion". At the time of the DUI incident, Barve held the powerful position as House Majority leader. Barve will now chair the Environment and Transportation Committee. All legislation in the House of Delegates having to do with transportation, including all bills regarding traffic laws and enforcement thereof, will first need to pass through Barve's committee.

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