Speaker Joe Straus released the list of 82nd Interim Charges for standing committees in the Texas House. Each committee will hold public hearings and then submit a final report no later than December 1, 2012.
Governor Rick Perry has appointed Jeff Austin III of Tyler to the Texas Transportation Commission for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2013. Austin is vice chairman of Austin Bank and Texas NA.
Victor Vandergriff will continue to serve as chairman of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and as a director of the North Texas Tollway Authority instead of running for the Senate District 9 seat being vacated by Sen. Chris Harris (R-Ft. Worth). Former Texas House member Toby Goodman is said to be considering running for the seat. Rep. Rodney Anderson (R-Plano) is the only declared candidate at this point.
San Antonio attorney Tina Torres has joined the list of Democrats that will compete in the March primary for House District 117 currently represented by Rep. John Garza (R-San Antonio).
Plano attorney Jeff Leach will compete in the Republican primary for House District 67 currently represented by Rep. Jerry Madden (R-Plano).