Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) has named State Representative Jay Powell (R-Camilla) as Chairman of the House Rules Committee. Arguably the most powerful committee in the House, the Rules Committee oversees the flow of legislation and determines what bills should be voted on the House floor.

“Chairman Powell is an experienced leader in the House, and he has earned the trust of our members,” said Speaker Ralston. “I know he will continue to serve with distinction, and I congratulate him on this well-deserved appointment.”

Representative Powell most recently served as Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee which handles tax legislation. A new chairman of that committee will be named in the near future.

Representative Powell represents the citizens of the 171^st District which includes portions of Colquitt, Decatur, and Mitchell counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2008.  Representative Powell is an attorney and resides in Camilla, Ga.