House Speaker Paul Renner names key committee chairs for upcoming Session

Image via Colin Hackley.

As lawmakers leave Tallahassee after crowning new legislative leaders, House Speaker Paul Renner is announcing his key committee Chairs for the coming year.

The team includes several familiar faces — all Republicans — to helm the House’s major committees for the 2022-23 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,” Renner said in a release and in a tweet the new committee chairs retweeted. “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.”

Ormond Beach Rep. Tom Leek will lead the Appropriations Committee, charged with formulating the state budget. Naples Rep. Bob Rommel will Chair the Commerce Committee, which oversees economic and business matters, including insurance.

“My honor,” Rommel tweeted with an announcement of his appointment.

Interim meetings begin Dec. 12. Lawmakers will also hold a one-week Special Session on property insurance following a devastating hurricane season in Florida.

Renner earlier Tuesday announced a Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery. Majority Leader Rep. Mike Grant of Port Charlotte will Chair that committee.

The Speaker’s lineup also includes changes of pace with Lecanto Rep. Ralph Massullo, a doctor, taking over the Education & Employment Committee, and Brevard County Rep. Randy Fine, a longtime leader of education committees, helming the Health & Human Services Committee.

Palatka Rep. Bobby Payne will lead the new Infrastructure Strategies Committee, overseeing Florida’s growth, including agriculture, conservation and water quality.

On Facebook, Payne extolled Renner’s years of hard work that brought him to this moment.

“Extremely proud of my good friend!” Payne said on Facebook. “It will be a pleasure to serve under your leadership.”

Miami Rep. Daniel Perez, who is in line to be House Speaker for the 2024-26 legislative term, succeeds Renner at the Rules Committee.

Tuesday, Perez also extolled Renner’s principled service that has come with a dose of humility. He tweeted that he was proud to nominate Renner to serve as Speaker.

“Paul, your wait is over,” Perez tweeted Tuesday morning. “While you have never craved the spotlight, it is now yours. This is your moment. And as you begin this journey, I hope you know — & I think I can safely speak for everyone in this chamber when I say — you have our respect, our trust, & our total support.”

Lakewood Ranch Rep. Tommy Gregory will lead his first committee as Chair of the Judiciary Committee.

“I am honored for this role @Paul_Renner & look forward to serving the great people of the state of Florida,” he tweeted.

It’s also a first Chair assignment for Dover Rep. Lawrence McClure, who will helm the State Affairs Committee.

Ocala Rep. Stan McClain will Chair the Ways & Means Committee.

“Thank you!” McClain said, retweeting the House Republicans’ announcement of his appointment.