"Our Chamber does its best work when lawmakers use their skill sets & strengths to work together and build consensus.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas –“These committee assignments were made after careful consideration and extensive reflection, taking into account the committee preferences expressed by each member, as well as the diverse talents they bring to the table – a combination that will help drive our chamber’s success and impact on issues facing Texans this legislative session,” said Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, announcing his final House Committee selections for this year's 2023 88th Legislature.
“The issues facing our great state will require thorough conversations and collaboration inside the Texas House, and our chamber does its best work when lawmakers use their skill sets and strengths to work together and build consensus,” Phelan (at right,) said.Speaker Phelan, who in recent weeks has met individually with House members to discuss their committee preferences and legislative priorities, crafted committee assignments based on a number of factors, such as seniority, personal preferences, the demographics of the chamber and the regional make-up of the body.
Highlights from committee assignments for the 88th Legislature:
- Currently, 86 Republicans and 64 Democrats serve in the Texas House.
- There are 37 committee chairs appointed in total, including the Speaker Pro Tempore, a leadership position equivalent to a chair. Of those 37 appointments, 28 (~75%) are Republicans and 9 (~25%) are Democrats.
- Under the House Rules adopted by members at the beginning of the legislative session, there are 34 standing committees.
- Phelan also continued two select committees formed during the interim of the 87th Legislature: the Select Committee on Health Care Reform and the Select Committee on Youth Health and Safety.
- Of the 36 combined standing and select committees:
- 11 chairs and 17 vice chairs are Black, Hispanic or Asian-American;
- 22 chairs and 32 vice chairs represent urban areas of the state; and
- 14 chairs and 4 vice chairs represent rural areas of the state.
- In the interest of a fair and objective process, Speaker Phelan has chosen not to appoint chairs of other committees to simultaneously serve on House Calendars.
