Staff report

Texas State Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, will chair the state House of Representatives Committee on State Affairs.

House Speaker Dennis Bonnen announced House committee assignments, including Phelan’s, for the 86th Legislative Session on Wednesday.

The state affairs committee has broad jurisdiction over all matters of state policy with a focus on energy, telecommunications, cyber security, pipelines, advances in technology, the power of state government and ethics, Phelan’s office revealed in an issued statement.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity Speaker Bonnen has bestowed upon me and the people of Southeast Texas,” Phelan said.

“As chair of state affairs, I will work diligently to ensure legislation is given thoughtful consideration and will work tirelessly to ensure we advance ideas that keeps Texas the greatest state in the Union to live, work and raise a family.”

In the 2017 session, Phelan served on appropriations, calendars and natural resources committees. He was vice chair of natural resources.

Phelan represents much of Jefferson County and Orange County.