To Texas gun owners, the most important committee in the Texas House of Representatives is the Homeland Security & Public Safety Committee. This is where all gun-related bills are assigned,as well as those bills impacting our ability to defend ourselves, our families and our property. So it is with great interest that I watch committee announcements.
In a surprising move, Republican Joe Straus, Speaker of the House, appointed El Paso Democrat Joe Pickett (A-Rated) as chairman. Vice-Chairman is Republican Allen Fletcher (A-Rated) who everyone expected to be Chairman. The remainder of the Committee members are:
Tony Dale (R-Cedar Park; AQ- Rated) (Freshman)
George Lavender (R-Texarkana; A-Rated)
Dan Flynn (R-Van) (A+ Rated)
Tim Kleinschmidt (R-Lexington; A-Rated)
Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas; A-Rated)
Ron Simmons (R-Carrollton; AQ-Rated) (Freshman)
Philip Cortez (D - CQ-Rated) (Freshman)
At first blush, all of the A's and A+'s appear encouraging for Texas gun owers, but only time will tell. When a committee chair assignment surprises everyone, including the person made chairman, it does give one pause. Let's see if Chairman Pickett is a better friend to Texas gun owners than last session's chairman.