A few weeks ago, I used my weekly article to announce the start of the 87th Legislative Session. In this week’s article, I would like to discuss that the Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan announced House committee assignments. Speaker Phelan’s committee assignments were made with several considerations in mind, namely, the interests, skillsets, and express committee preferences of each member. I have been appointed to three committees this session, which include the International Relations & Economic Development Committee, and the State Affairs Committee. I will also be the Chair of the Redistricting Committee.
The Redistricting Committee is a 15-member committee with jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to any changes of legislative districts and congressional districts, including any preparations necessary for the redistricting process. The committee is also responsible for the establishment of districts for the election of judicial officers, governing bodies or representatives of political subdivisions, or state agencies as required by law. Every ten years the Legislature is tasked with redrawing district boundaries, which is based on data from the Census.
The State Affairs Committee is a 13-member committee, which deals with significant matter of state policy, ranging from the administration of state government to cybersecurity. Some important issues this committee is responsible for include scientific and technological advances, the regulation of electric utilities and telecommunications utilities and industries.
The International Relations and Economic Development committee is a nine-member committee with jurisdiction over all matters related to trade relations, relations with the federal government, commerce, manufacturing, and economic development. The committee is also involved in defense, emergency preparedness, and veterans’ issues. Some of the state agencies that the committee work with include the Office of State-Federal Relations, the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Workforce Investment Council.
All these committees will be very beneficial for the Coastal Bend because each will address a few key issues.
If you would like more information about each committee, these websites serve as a great resource:
• The Texas Legislature
• The Texas House of Representatives
• The Texas Senate
If you have questions or comments regarding any of the legislative processes mentioned in this article or any bills which have been filed, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter currently represents Part of Nueces County. He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.state.tx.us or at 512-463-0672.
