House Speaker Joe Straus yesterday released his appointments to the House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee. The committee assignments feature a mix of both returning and new members. Speaker Straus appointed Rep. John Smithee (R-Amarillo) to chair the committee. Rep. Smithee, a practicing attorney, has long chaired the House Insurance Committee and brings considerable expertise in civil justice system issues to the committee. The Speaker reappointed Rep. Jessica Farrar (D-Houston) to serve as Vice Chair, a post she held last session. Members returning from last session also include Rep. Ana Hernandez (D-Houston), Richard Raymond (D-Laredo), and Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston). Three of the four new members of the committee are experienced attorneys as well: Rep. Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas), Rep. Travis Clardy (R-Nacogdoches), and Rep. Mike Schofield (R-Houston). Rep. Jodie Laubenberg (R-Murphy), who also chairs House Elections, rounds out the committee.
We are looking forward to working with Chairman Smithee and the members of the committee this session.