House members of three legislative panels Wednesday elected that chamber's chairmen for the audit and budget committees, as well as Legislative Council.
Each panel met in quick order, with each new chairman elected unanimously. Republicans have majorities on each committee, but Democrats also have members on all three. The Senate elects its chairmen separately. On Wednesday:
• Rep. Richard Womack, R-Arkadelphia, was elected House co-chairman of the Legislative Joint Auditing Committee. Rep. Mary Elizabeth Bentley, R-Perryville, was elected vice co-chairman.
• Rep. David Branscum, R-Marshall, was elected House co-chairman of the Legislative Council, the body that discusses and acts on state government matters between legislative sessions. Rep. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, was elected vice co-chairman.
• Rep. Samuel Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, was elected co-chairman of the Joint Budget Committee. Rep. Les Eaves, R-Searcy, was elected vice co-chairman.
The House is holding orientation this week for newly elected members. The 91st General Assembly begins Jan. 9.
Metro on 12/09/2016