Speaker Phelan Releases Committee Assignments

Speaker Dade Phelan announced the committee assignments for the House of Representatives this week. ICYMI: Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick released committee assignments at the end of last month. The composition and leadership of legislative committees can significantly impact the bills that are debated in the full chamber and ultimately become law. The personnel involved play a crucial role, and these decisions will shape the entire legislative session.

Phelan has chosen Democrats to chair eight out of the 34 standing committees, a decrease from the 13 he appointed at the beginning of the previous legislative session. This move comes in response to pressure from the right to diminish Democratic influence in the Republican-led chamber.

Two high-profile committees will see new leadership. State Rep. Brad Buckley, a Republican from Killeen, has been appointed as the chair of the Public Education Committee, replacing Democrat Rep. Harold Dutton from Houston. Furthermore, Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican from Corpus Christi, will now head the State Affairs Committee, a powerful panel with broad jurisdiction. The previous chair, Rep. Chris Paddie, a Republican from Marshall, did not run for re-election last year.

Regarding these developments, Phelan stated in a release, "The challenges facing our exceptional state demand comprehensive discussions and collaboration within the Texas House. Our chamber excels when lawmakers utilize their skills and strengths to work together and reach consensus."