FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 7, 2025) – Rep. Elect Mitch Whitaker of Fleming-Neon will serve on the Judiciary, Natural Resources and Energy, and Tourism and Outdoor Recreation committees when the Kentucky General Assembly convenes in early January, according to the office of House Speaker David Osborne.
“It is an extraordinary honor to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky and to represent the values of my home district in Frankfort,” said Rep. Elect Whitaker. “I am dedicated to being a strong voice for our district, confronting the challenges facing our region head-on, and working with my fellow legislators to deliver results for the betterment of our communities.”
The House Judiciary Committee works primarily on matters pertaining to Kentucky courts and the state’s criminal and civil justice systems. Committee members consider proposed new laws to address issues ranging from the administration of trusts and estates to the prosecution of criminal acts. The committee also oversees state laws as they relate to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit courts, and district courts.
Members of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee oversee state policies that deal with Kentucky’s abundant natural resources. This includes matters pertaining to forestry, mining, soil and water conservation, flood control, water usage and quality, oil, gas, and salt water wells. The committee also considers legislation that addresses the state’s energy supplies – including electric and gas utilities and cooperatives, hydroelectric and thermonuclear energy, coal, solar and renewable energy, and other alternative fuels. Members are also responsible for setting policies for the Public Service Commission.
Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee members oversee legislation that deals with tourism, travel promotion, fish and wildlife, hunting and fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The committee also addresses issues like laws that apply to billboards, recreational land use, and all-terrain vehicles.
“Committee assignments are always a difficult task, but more so this year because we have an exceptional class of first-term legislators as well as the veteran lawmakers who have proven experience shaping good long-term public policy,” Osborne added. “The House Majority Caucus remains committed to making this state the best place to live and work.”
With these appointments, Rep. Elect Whitaker is in a position to positively impact not only his district, but also the entire Commonwealth. The 2025 Regular Session will convene on Tuesday, January 7 and legislators will meet for 30 legislative days before adjourning by March 29. Kentuckians can keep up to date with legislative activity by visiting legislature.ky.gov or following @KYHouseGOP on Facebook, Twitter, and most major social media outlets.
Rep. Elect Whitaker serves the state’s 94th House District, which includes part of Harlan, part of Pike, and Letcher counties.