Hughes Named Vice Chairman Of House Judiciary Committee

Dist. 1 Rep also reappointed Chairman of Human Services Eligibility System Legislative Oversight Committee

AUSTIN, TX, Feb. 12, 2009 -- Speaker of the House Joe Straus (R-San Antonio) today named Rep. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola) Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee. Hughes was also appointed to the Human Services Committee and reappointed Chairman of the Human Services Eligibility System Legislative Oversight Committee.

The eleven member House Judiciary Committee has broad jurisdiction over matters related to civil law including family law, probate and guardianship matters, courts and their jurisdiction, and thirteen state agencies including the Supreme Court, the Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Office of the Attorney General. Hughes, a graduate of Baylor Law School and former federal law clerk, has served on this committee since 2003.

"The courts are an important part of protecting the rights of everyday Texans, and I'm pleased to serve as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee," said Hughes.


As Chairman of the Health and Human Services Eligibility System Legislative Oversight Committee, Hughes oversees the State's efforts to modernize our welfare system, with a goal of making the system more efficient and cost-effective. Hughes was also reappointed to the Human Services Committee, which oversees the State's largest agency, the Human Services Commission. On this Committee, Hughes will continue to look for ways to control costs and protect taxpayers' money, while delivering services to those truly in need.

"The State of Texas spends close to $60 billion on human services programs, so we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to find efficiencies and cost savings," said Hughes.

Hughes has represented Camp, Harrison, Upshur, and Wood Counties in the Texas House of Representatives since 2003