TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — House Speaker Paul Renner took the top spot in Florida’s House of Representatives on Tuesday. Outgoing Speaker Chris Sprowls passed the gavel to Renner on the House floor as a Republican supermajority was seated for their new term.
Renner acknowledged the need for bipartisan cooperation and announced the appointment of Committee Chairmen for the 2022-2023 Session.
“The knowledge and experience across this team of Committee Chairmen will help us deliver a bold agenda that will secure Florida’s future and help us leave our state better off than we found it,” said Speaker Renner. “Our new committee structure will help us move key legislation through the process to address unique challenges and opportunities. I believe we have the right leaders at the right time to live up to this unique moment in Florida history.”
2022–2023 COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN
Representative Tom Leek, Appropriations Committee Chair
The Appropriations Committee produces the House’s proposed budget while conforming and implementing legislation. The committee provides legislative oversight on the expenditure of appropriated funds, reviews the governor’s budget recommendations, and analyzes trust funds for creation, termination, or modification. Any legislation with a fiscal impact is typically heard by the Appropriations Committee or one of its subcommittees. Budget issues within the jurisdiction of the full committee include education-fixed capital outlay and state employee pay – including benefits and retirement.
Representative Bob Rommel, Commerce Committee Chair
The Commerce Committee considers matters related to Florida’s economy, business and professional regulation, energy, utilities, telecommunications, and cybersecurity policy. In addition, the regulation of insurance companies, gaming, and financial entities falls under the committee’s oversight.
Representative Ralph Massullo, Education & Employment Committee Chair
The Education & Employment Committee considers matters related to Florida’s education system, from early education through postsecondary education, adult education, and job training. Additionally, the committee has jurisdiction over policies and programs providing opportunities for all Floridians to prepare for the 21st-century workforce.
Representative Bobby Payne, Infrastructure Strategies Committee Chair
The Infrastructure Strategies Committee considers matters related to infrastructure planning for Florida’s growth, including transportation, water, resilience, and land acquisition. The committee also considers matters related to Florida’s agriculture and citrus industries, conservation of natural resources, fish and wildlife issues, water quality and supply, and transportation services.
Representative Randy Fine, Health & Human Services Committee Chair
The Health & Human Services Committee examines issues related to healthcare provider regulation, health insurance regulation, and public health. The committee also oversees any safety net provisions for low-income or otherwise vulnerable Floridians.
Representative Tommy Gregory, Judiciary Committee Chair
The Judiciary Committee considers civil and criminal law issues, including public safety and the administration of the court system.
Representative Daniel Perez, Rules Committee Chair
The Rules Committee submits Special Order Calendars for adoption by the House. The committee also recommends procedures for the management of the floor process.
Representative Lawrence McClure, State Affairs Committee Chair
The State Affairs Committee considers matters related to state agency governance, local government oversight and accountability, emergency management, administrative procedure, affordable housing, state and local government retirement programs. Elections, ethics, and standards of conduct for public officers and employees, including House members, also fall under the committee’s authority.
Representative Stan McClain, Ways & Means Committee Chair
The Ways & Means Committee’s purview encompasses issues concerning all state and local taxes and select non-tax revenue sources. The committee is also responsible for addressing statutory and constitutional policy regarding tax rates, tax base design, and collection and enforcement parameters. In addition, the committee’s work covers debt financing policy, tax administration, and enforcement of tax laws.
Representative Mike Grant, Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery Chair
The Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency and Recovery will consider matters related to recovery from recent storms and lessons learned to achieve best practices for future storms.
Florida’s moment is now, and we have the greatest opportunity in a generation to provide other states and the nation with a model to increase prosperity, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life for everyone.
— Paul Renner (@Paul_Renner) November 23, 2022
Speaker Paul Renner, a Navy Veteran, who served in the Persian Gulf War and Afghanistan, was first elected to the House during a 2015 special election. Renner is the first House speaker from Flagler County. Follow him on Twitter @PaulRenner.
