SMITHEE CHAIRS HOUSE INS. COMM.

Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, the first Republican to hold that post since the 12th legislative session—the current session is the 78th—selected the members of the House Insurance committee, returning John Smithee of Amarillo, to the chairmanship position. Other committee members include: Gene Seaman, vice chair; Craig Eiland, CBO; Pete Gallego; Senfronia Thompson; Dennis Bonnen; Bill Keffer; Larry Taylor; and Corbin Van Arsdale, Houston. The Senate Committee on Business and Finance, which oversees insurance issues, consists of: Troy Fraser, chair; Kip Averitt; vice chair; and members Ken Armbrister, Kim Brimer, Craig Estes, Mike Jackson, Eddie Lucio, Jr., Leticia Van de Putte and Tommy Williams.