AUSTIN — Today, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst announced a realignment of committee assignments for the 81st Legislature, assigning Senator Joan Huffman to six committees which have a sweeping impact on the overall operation of the state government.

Senator Huffman will now serve as Vice Chairman of both the Higher Education and Criminal Justice Committees. She brings particular expertise to Criminal Justice Committee, given her background as a former prosecutor and judge in Harris County. She lead the prosecution in over 100 jury trials including murders, sexual assaults, aggravated robberies and sexual assault of children and was elected to preside over the 183rd Criminal District Court for two terms.

Huffman will also join the Jurisprudence Committee and will continue her important role on the Transportation and Homeland Security, Health and Human Services and Redistricting Committees, as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

"Our state faces many challenges, and I am humbled by Lt. Governor Dewhurst's confidence in my ability to serve Texas in this new capacity," Senator Huffman said.

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