Rep. Hess served in the House since 1987, coming to the chamber the same year as House Speaker Sam Smith. Only four Republican House members had been in the House longer.
His passing means there will be a new Majority Chair for the Transportation Committee who will deal with the transportation funding issue.
Next in line in terms of seniority for the position would be: Rep. Bill Adolph (Majority Chair of the Appropriations Committee), Rep. Ron Marsico (Majority Chair of the Judiciary Committee), Rep. Matthew Baker (Majority Chair of the Health Committee) and Rep. Tim Hennessey (Majority Chair of the Aging and Older Adult Services Committee).
