Lt. Governor David Dewhurst issued committee assignments for the Texas Senate on Friday. Newly elected Senators were placed on committees and veteran members were shuffled around. Dewhurst previously announced the chairs of the various standing committees several months ago. House committees will likely be announced in the next two weeks. For a complete list of Senate committees, follow this link to the Texas Senate’s website: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/assets/pdf/TXSenCmtes83R.pdf.
Today Texas Senators drew envelopes to determine whether they would have a two or four year term of office. This drawing occurs after the redistricting process in order to achieve staggered terms. Happy legislators who drew a four year term include Senators Birdwell, Duncan, Ellis, Eltife, Fraser, Hegar, Hinojosa, Lucio, Nelson, Rodriguez, Taylor, Uresti, Van de Putte, Williams and Zaffirini. Senators Campbell, Carona, Davis, Deuell, Estes, Hancock, Huffman, Nichols, Patrick, Paxton, Schwertner, Seliger, Watson, West, and Whitmire drew two year terms and thus will begin campaigning soon after session ends. Whoever wins the Senate District 6 race will have a four year term.