Over the past several years, the work of these lawmakers has brought a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community and specialty equipment industry on issues ranging from equipment standards to registration and titling classifications, and from emissions test exemptions to the rights of hobbyists to engage in backyard restorations.

“The automobile is part of our culture and history,” said New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich, the current Caucus Chairman. “I am extremely pleased at how the membership numbers have increased, however, our work is not done. I will continue to work with the SEMA Government Affairs staff to help educate and encourage participation by our state governmental leaders and work toward our goal of having at least 500 members actively participating in the Caucus.”

 State Senator John Brueggeman (R-MT)
“I’ve been interested in everything mechanical since I was a kid. The things I imagined became reality with Legos and I couldn’t get enough motors, gears or pneumatics. I started riding at a young age and earned a motorcycle endorsement for my driver’s license by 15. I remember sitting in the coffee shop with my dad hearing stories from his biker buddies about putting blower belt assemblies on bikes before anyone had heard of an open primary drive. In college I worked for a CNC machine shop while studying engineering, which gave me a great understanding of manufacturing and boosted my CAD/CAM skills. I also took the time to get my 6G certification for TIG welding stainless tubing as 304’s my metal of choice.”

“There is nothing I enjoy more than going to shows and talking with the owners and builders, as they’re still the embodiment of what makes America great.”

“When it comes to cars, my favorites are the ’65 GTO and the ’65 Shelby Cobra. The lines on the ’65 GTO have the same straight, square profile as the previous years, but Pontiac started using stacked headlights that year and it was a one-year car. I’m still looking for a GTO project, and a Cobra kit is probably in my future, but motorcycles command most of my attention right now.”

“Threats are everywhere. I’ve seen bad legislation attempted every session and some of it had more traction than deserved. Any constituent can come up with an idea, no matter how off the wall, and some legislators will run with it to pacify their base. I’ve had folks ask me to carry mandatory mud flap legislation for every vehicle on the road because they got a rock chip in their paint or window. This person’s perspective had no understanding of custom or classic cars, and though I told them no, another legislator submitted the bill and we had to fight it.”

State Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R-NY)
“My love of automobiles was inherited from my father. Although he never worked on cars, especially to the extent I always have, he would always end up at the car dealership looking at the newest models and almost every year ended up with the latest model. Cars and my love of them goes way back to my early days of my pedal car. I think nearly every car enthusiast can remember that first day they were hooked.”

“I can remember approaching the legal age to drive when I would spend much of my time imagining what my first car would be. That first car was actually a gift from my brother. It was a ’64 Plymouth Valiant that required a great deal of work due to the rust and age of the vehicle. That car, however, inspired me and also provided me the opportunity to learn both mechanical repairs and body work. I not only worked with fiberglass as I placed a huge hood scoop on the hood, I also learned how to paint a car. I finished the Valiant using a technique popular at the time called “spider webbing” which involved layering silver over the black paint.”

“I believe that car enthusiasts realize that modifying newer vehicles and restoring older ones is a hobby that can be enjoyed by both the young and the old. This not only allows us to express out personalities through our vehicles, but allows us to regain our past, just as I was able to do by obtaining a ’73 Mustang Mach 1. The Mustang was a car I used to dream about while in high school, but at that time was well beyond what I could afford. Protecting the rights of hobbyists to restore or enhance their vehicles will ensure that future generations will be able to fulfill their own car dreams.”

“America’s love affair with the automobile started long, long ago and will continue as each young child dreams of their first car. America’s appetite for obtaining a vehicle is as significant as the desire to own a home. It is a slice of the American Dream and the automobile is deeply embedded in our American culture. My advice would be for hobbyists to stay informed and engage their lawmakers on the issues that matter most to them. From state laws to city ordinances, it is important that individuals get involved so they can educate elected officials on the impact these laws may have on this great hobby of ours.”

State Representative Tony Mendoza (D-CA)
“We need to work to legitimize nonprofessional racing through programs and events sponsored by auto manufacturers, by the Society of Automotive Engineers and by creating statewide racing tournaments at public race courses. SEMA’s RASR program is a great example of how we can try to engage youth and channel their passion for racing to safe and legal track alternatives.”


The work of caucus members has brought a series of significant legislative accomplishments for the vehicle enthusiast community. By joining the Caucus, these legislators have demonstrated their commitment to upholding the rights of vehicle enthusiasts. In addition, hobbyists are able to quickly identify which state legislators have chosen to be recognized for their support of this great American hobby. Approximately 450 state legislators from all 50 states are involved in the Caucus. Here is a comprehensive list of current caucus members.

Chairman
Assemblymember Bill Reilich (New York)

Alabama


Senator Roger Bedford


Representative Mike Ball


Representative Victor Gaston


Representative H. Mac Gipson


Representative Laura Hall


Representative Johnny Morrow


Representative William E. Thigpen


Representative Randy Wood



Alaska


Senator Fred Dyson


Representative David Guttenberg



Arizona
Senator Robert Burns


Senator Ron Gould


Senator Linda Lopez


Representative Tom Boone


Representative David Bradley


Representative Jack Harper


Representative Bill Konopnicki


Representative Nancy McLain


Representative Lynne Pancrazi


Representative Jerry Weiers


Representative Vic Williams



Arkansas


Senator Denny Altes


Senator Shane Broadway


Senator Gene Jeffress


Senator Johnny Key


Representative Allen Kerr


Representative Mark Martin


Representative Barbara Nix



California
Senator Ron Calderon


Senator Dave Cogdill


Senator Jeff Denham


Senator Dennis Hollingsworth


Senator Bob Huff


Senator Gloria Negrete-McLeod


Senator George Runner


Assemblymember Joel Anderson


Assemblymember Jim Beall


Assemblymember Bill Emmerson


Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes


Assemblymember Ted Gaines


Assemblymember Martin Garrick


Assemblymember Kevin Jeffries


Assemblymember Tony Mendoza


Assemblymember Roger Niello


Assemblymember Alberto Torrico


Assemblymember Michael Villines



Colorado


Senator Ken Kester


Representative Debbie Benefield


Representative Larry Liston


Representative Nancy Todd


Representative Edward Vigil



Connecticut 
Senator Scott Frantz


Senator Robert Kane


Representative Penny Bacchiochi


Representative Toni Walker


Representative Zeke Zalaski



Delaware 


Representative William Oberle Jr.

Florida


Representative Eddy Gonzalez


Representative Bill Heller


Representative Ed Hooper


Representative Dave Murzin


Representative Pat Patterson



Georgia 


Senator Bill Heath


Senator Chip Rogers 


Representative Bob Hanner


Representative Calvin Hill


Representative Mike Keown


Representative Howard Mosby 


Representative Alan Powell


Representative Nikki Randall


Representative Bobby Reese


Representative Tony Sellier



Hawaii


Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland


Representative Henry Aquino


Representative Karen Awana


Representative Jerry Chang

Idaho


Senator Jim Hammond


Senator Mike Jorgenson


Representative Marv Hagedorn


Representative Bill Killen


Representative Janice McGeachin


Representative Rich Wills

Illinois


Senator Brad Burzynski


Representative Annazette Collins


Representative Kay Hatcher


Representative Brandon Phelps


Representative Robert Pritchard


Representative Harry R. Ramey


Representative Al Riley


Representative Jim Sacia

Indiana


Senator Brandt Hershman


Senator Travis Holdman


Senator Dennis Kruse


Senator Sue Landske


Representative Bill Friend


Representative Wes Culver


Representative Tom Knollman


Representative Nancy Michael


Representative P. Eric Turner

Iowa


Senator Staci Appel


Senator Jeff Danielson


Senator Wally Horn


Representative Dwayne Alons


Representative Dave Deyo

e
Representative Cecil Dolecheck


Representative Jim Lykam



Kansas
Senator Mike Petersen


Senator Chris Steineger


Representative Bob Bethell


Representative Elaine Bowers


Representative Doug Gatewood


Representative Mario Goico


Representative Carl Holmes


Representative Deena Horst


Representative Harold Lane


Representative Judith Loganbill


Representative Peggy Mast


Representative Ray Merrick


Representative Melvin Neufeld


Representative Shirley Palmer


Representative Michael Peterson


Representative Don Schroeder


Representative Joe Seiwert


Representative Dale Swenson


Representative Bill Wolf



Kentucky


Senator Tom Buford


Senator Joey Pendleton


Senator Dorsey Ridley


Senator Robin Webb


Representative Thomas Burch


Representative Tim Couch


Representative Ted Edmonds


Representative Danny Ford


Representative Keith Hall


Representative Charlie Hoffman


Representative Richard Henderson


Representative Mary Lou Marzian


Representative Reginald Meeks


Representative Ruth Ann Palumbo


Representative Don Pasley


Representative Jody Richards


Representative Tom Riner


Representative Brent Yonts

Louisiana


Senator A.G. Crowe


Senator Ben Nevers


Senator Francis Thompson


Senator Mike Walsworth


Representative Jeffery Arnold


Representative Damon Baldone


Representative Girod Jackson III


Representative John LaBruzzo


Representative Anthony Ligi


Representative Nickie Monica


Representative M.J. Smiley



Maine


Senator Douglas Smith


Representative Richard Cebra


Representative Dale Crafts


Representative Gary Knight


Representative Everett McLeod, Sr.


Representative Ann Peoples


Representative Michael Shaw


Representative Linda Sanborn


Representative Nancy Smith

Maryland


Senator Barry Glassman


Senator Katherine Klausmeier


Delegate Don Dwyer, Jr.


Delegate Barbara Frush


Delegate Cheryl Glenn


Delegate Benjamin Kramer


Delegate Warren Miller


Delegate Wayne Norman


Delegate Jay Walker



Massachusetts


Representative Fred Barrows


Representative Robert Hargraves



Michigan


Senator Glenn Anderson


Senator Nancy Cassis


Senator Ron Jelinek


Representative David Agema


Representative Bill Caul


Representative Larry DeShazor


Representative Douglas Geiss


Representative Martin Griffin


Representative Ken Horn


Representative Rick Jones


Representative Eileen Kowall


Representative Richard LeBlanc


Representative Chuck Moss


Representative Tom Pearce


Representative John Proos


Representative Bettie Cook Scott


Representative Joel Sheltrown


Representative John Walsh



Minnesota


Senator Michael Jungbauer


Senator David Tomassoni


Representative Jim Abeler


Representative Pat Garofalo


Representative Steve Gottwalt


Representative Rick Hansen


Representative Melissa Hortman


Representative Margaret Anderson Kelliher


Representative Carol McFarlane


Representative Ron Shimanski


Representative Phil Sterner



Mississippi


Senator Hillman Frazier


Representative Scott Delano


Representative Ken Morgan


Representative Dannie Reed


Representative Walter Robinson Jr.



Missouri


Representative Curt Dougherty


Representative Joe Fallert


Representative Tim Jones


Representative Gayle Kingery


Representative Don Wells


Representative Patricia Yaeger



Montana


Senator John Brueggeman


Senator Jeff Essmann


Senator Ryan Zinke


Representative Jill Cohenour


Representative Gordon Hendrick


Representative Mike Miller


Representative Penny Morgan


Representative Bill Nooney


Representative Josh Peck


Representative Wayne Stahl



Nebraska


Senator Colby Coash


Senator Heath Mello


Senator Jeremy Nordquist



Nevada


Senator Bob Coffin


Senator David Parks


Assemblymember Bernie Anderson


Assemblymember Chad Christensen


Assemblymember Moises (Mo) Denis


Assemblymember Ellen Marie Koivisto


Assemblymember Mark Manendo


Assemblymember John Oceguera


Assemblymember Lynn Stewart



New Hampshire


Representative Ronald Boisvert


Representative Gene Charron


Representative Daniel Eaton


Representative Philip Harvey


Representative John Henson


Representative Timothy Horrigan


Representative Paul Ingersoll


Representative Russell Ingram


Representative Robert Introne


Representative Michael McCarthy


Representative Carol McGuire


Representative Sherman Packard


Representative Lawrence Perkins


Representative Ken Weyler



New Jersey


Assemblymember Gary Chiusano


Assemblymember Upenda Chivukula


Assemblymember Alison Littell McHose


Assemblymember Charlotte Vandervalk



New Mexico


Senator Clinton Harden


Representative Jose Campos


Representative Nathan Cote


Representative Rudy Martinez


Representative Bill Rehm



New York


Senator Jeff Klein


Senator Thomas Libous


Assemblymember Jim Bacalles


Assemblymember Greg Ball


Assemblymember William Barclay


Assemblymember Philip Boyle


Assemblymember Daniel Burling


Assemblymember Marc Butler


Assemblymember Nancy Calhoun


Assemblymember Robert Castelli


Assemblymember James Conte


Assemblymember Clifford Crouch


Assemblymember RoAnn Destito


Assemblymember Janet Duprey


Assemblymember Steve Englebright


Assemblymember Joseph Errigo


Assemblymember Ginny Fields


Assemblymember Gary Finch


Assemblymember Mike Fitzpatrick


Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak


Assemblymember Joseph Giglio


Assemblymember Steve Hawley


Assemblymember Janele Hyer-Spencer


Assemblymember Brian Kolb


Assemblymember Peter Lopez


Assemblymember Donna Lupardo


Assemblymember David McDonough


Assemblymember Marcus Molinaro


Assemblymember Bob Oaks


Assemblymember Thomas O'Mara


Assemblymember Jack Quinn


Assemblymember Andrew Raia


Assemblymember Bill Reilich


Assemblymember Joseph Saladino


Assemblymember Teresa Sayward


Assemblymember Mark Schroeder


Assemblymember Dede Scozzafava


Assemblymember James Tedisco


Assemblymember David Townsend, Jr.



North Carolina


Senator Julia Boseman


Representative Marilyn Avila


Representative John Blust


Representative Larry Brown


Representative George Cleveland


Representative Nelson Cole


Representative Tricia Ann Cotham


Representative William Current


Representative Bill Faison


Representative Phillip Frye


Representative Rosa Gill


Representative Bruce Goforth


Representative Hugh Holliman


Representative Julia Howard


Representative Frank Iler


Representative Tim Moore


Representative Wil Neumann


Representative Shirley B. Randleman


Representative Mitchell Setzer


Representative Fred Steen, II


Representative Laura Wiley


Representative Arthur Williams



North Dakota

Senator Dick Dever


Senator Tom Fischer


Senator Judy Lee
Senator Elroy Lindaas


Representative Chuck Damschen


Representative Jerry Kelsh


Representative David Monson


Representative Darrell Nottestad


Representative Louis Pinkerton


Representative Robin Weisz


Representative Alon Wieland



Ohio


Representative Michael DeBose


Representative Mark Schneider


Representative Lynn Wachtmann


Representative Kenny Yuko



Oklahoma


Senator Davie Myers


Representative Wallace Collins


Representative Scott Inman


Representative Danny Morgan



Oregon
Representative Jeff Barker


Representative Brian Clem



Pennsylvania


Senator Daylin Leach


Senator J. Barry Stout


Senator Michael Waugh


Representative Scott Conklin


Representative Dom Costa


Representative Brian Cutler


Representative Peter Daley


Representative John Evans


Representative Rick Geist


Representative Gary Haluska


Representative Patrick Harkins


Representative Dick Hess


Representative Tom Houghton


Representative Mark Longietti


Representative John Pallone


Representative Eddie Day Pashinski


Representative John Payne


Representative Tony Payton, Jr.


Representative Scott Perry


Representative John Siptroth


Representative Tim Solobay


Representative Curt Sonney



Rhode Island


Senator William Walaska


Representative John J. Loughlin II



South Carolina


Senator Larry Martin


Representative Dan Hamilton


Representative J. Gary Simrill


Representative Tommy Stringer



South Dakota


Senator Jim Hundstad


Representative Thomas Brunner


Representative Elaine M. Elliot


Representative Richard Engels


Representative Charles Hoffman


Representative Mark Kirkeby



Tennessee


Senator Tim Burchett


Representative Vince Dean


Representative JoAnne Favors


Representative Craig Fitzhugh


Representative Jim Hackworth


Representative Sherry Jones


Representative Gary Moore


Representative John Tidwell


Representative Joe Towns


Representative Mark White


Representative Les Winningham


Representative Eddie Yokley



Texas


Representative Wayne Christian


Representative Ellen Cohen


Representative Garnet Coleman


Representative Patricia Harless


Representative Mark Homer


Representative Charlie Howard


Representative Edmund Kuempel


Representative Solomon Ortiz, Jr.


Representative Joe Pickett


Representative Allen Vaught



Utah


Senator Gene Davis


Senator Brent Goodfellow


Senator Howard Stephenson


Representative Ron Bigelow


Representative Tim Cosgrove


Representative Gage Froerer


Representative Neal Hendrickson


Representative Gregory Hughes


Representative Fred Hunsaker


Representative Curtis Oda


Representative Patrick Painter


Representative Stephen Sandstrom


Representative Kenneth Sumsion



Vermont


Senator Kevin Mullin


Representative Joseph Baker



Virginia


Senator John Edwards


Senator Emmett Hanger


Senator L. Louise Lucas


Delegate Morgan Griffith


Delegate Daniel Marshall


Delegate Mark L Keam


Delegate Sam Nixon


Delegate Dave Nutter


Delegate G. Glenn Oder


Delegate Kenneth Plum


Delegate Tom Rust


Delegate Mark Sickles


Delegate Ron A. Villanueva


Delegate Onzlee Ware



Washington


Senator Mike Carrell


Senator Jerome Delvin


Senator Jim Honeyford


Representative Mike Armstrong


Representative Jan Angel


Representative Tom Campbell


Representative Cary Condotta


Representative Bob Hasegawa


Representative Ed Orcutt


Representative Deb Wallace


Representative Marcie Maxwell



West Virginia


Senator Dave Sypolt


Delegate Robert Beach


Delegate Ron Fragale


Delegate Virginia Mahan


Delegate Cliff Moore


Delegate Thomas Mike Porter


Delegate Harry Keith White



Wisconsin
Senator Mary Lazich


Representative Ed Brooks


Representative Steve Kestell


Representative Phil Montgomery


Representative John Nygren



Wyoming


Representative Stan Blake


Representative Pat Childers


Representative Mike Gilmore


Representative Sue Wallis