State Senator Jeff Mullis, of Chickamauga, has been appointed chairman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee for the 2013 session.

The Rules Committee is considered one of the most powerful, because of it's "gate keeper " function. Once proposed legislation passes out of the committee of origin, it goes to the rules committee for consideration. Bills that the Rules Committee does not support, can become bottled up, and never get to the floor for a vote.

Mullis replaces Republican Senator Don Balfour, who lost the rules chair after he was targeted in a GBI investigation for allegedly filing false expense reports.

Mullis said he is honored by this appointment and understands that constituents statewide expect us to focus on issues that will move Georgia forward rather than playing legislative games or politics.

Mullis also serves on the Senate Appropriations, Banking and Finance And Economic Development committees.l