Rep. Andy Davis, R-Little Rock, on Thursday proposed renaming the House Public Transportation Committee and giving it some duties now handled by two other committees.
Under Davis' House Resolution 1005, the proposed House Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee would take on matters pertaining to environmental affairs and water and air pollution now under the jurisdiction of the House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee.
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The renamed committee also would take on matters pertaining to natural resources and oil and gas now under the jurisdiction of the House Agriculture, Forestry and Economic Development Committee. The renamed committee would also have jurisdiction over energy and wastewater matters under HR1005.
Davis' proposal would change the House's rules after this year's regular session adjourns. It would require a two-thirds vote in the 100-member House for approval.
House Speaker Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, has told Davis he is open to the idea, but he wants to have more input and discussion to consider the change, said House spokesman Cecillea Pond-Mayo.
-- Michael R. Wickline