Gov. Scott Walker issued an executive order last week that creates a committee on autonomous vehicles. The Steering Committee on Autonomous and Connected Vehicle Testing and Deployment will advise the governor on how best to advance the testing and operation of such vehicles in Wisconsin.

According to the order, the committee will identify and coordinate with agencies with pertinent jurisdiction over autonomous vehicles and review existing statutes that might impede their testing and deployment in Wisconsin, among other tasks.

The committee will be chaired by Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Dave Ross, or his designee. Other members of the committee include Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Mark Hogan and Insurance Commissioner Ted Nickel, or their designees. Members appointed by the governor will include a representative from the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Wisconsin Technology Council, the governor’s office, local law enforcement, a motorcycle organization, the trucking industry, two representatives from University of Wisconsin-Madison and three or more members from the automated and connected vehicle technology sector. Four legislators from the majority and two from the minority will also serve on the committee.

DOT will submit a report on the Steering Committee’s findings to the governor by June 30, 2018.