Seven members of the Alabama House of Representatives were appointed to new committees, effective July 1st, following the vacancy left by Rep. Kyle South (R-Fayette) at the end of the 2023 legislative session.
South, who represented District 16 in the House since 2014, is headed to lead the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce.
Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) announced the committee appointments as follows:
- Rules Committee: Rep. Debbie Wood (R-Valley)
- Ways and Means General Fund Vice Chair: Rep. Chris Blackshear (R-Smiths Station)
- Ways and Means General Fund Committee: Rep. Kerry Underwood (R-Tuscumbia)
- Insurance Committee: Rep. Matt Woods (R-Jasper)
- Financial Services Committee: Rep. James Lomax (R-Huntsville)
- Joint Transportation Committee: Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise)
- ARPA Oversight Committee: Rep. Jeff Sorrells (R-Hartford)
South’s departure marks a gap and opportunity for the House General Fund Committee which had a major role in the appropriation of ARPA funds during the special session and approval of a $3 billion FY2024 budget. South’s leadership was a valuable asset to members of the committee and chairman Rep. Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville).
Members of the Legislature will return to work for an extraordinary special session on July 17th to redraw congressional districts following a Supreme Court ruling last month.
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270