House Speaker Joe Straus named three legislators — Drew Darby, R-San Angelo; John Otto, R-Dayton; and John Zerwas, R-Simonton — to spots on the Legislative Budget Board. They replace three members — Jim Pitts, R-Waxahachie; Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville; and Dan Branch, R-Dallas — who will not be returning to the Legislature in January.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst named three senators — Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound; Craig Estes, R-Wichita Falls; and Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler — to join Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa on the LBB.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is promoting Ranger Wende Wakeman to the rank of lieutenant, which would make her the highest-ranking female in Texas Ranger history. The promotion is effective Aug. 1.

Wesley "Scott" Smith of Murphy was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to the Texas Funeral Service Commission for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2017.

Perry has appointed 12 members to the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities. They are Joe Bontke of Houston (chairman); Marilou Fowler of Katy; Rames Gonzalez Jr. of Palmview; Linda Millstone of Austin; David Ondich of Fort Worth; and Shawn Saladin of Edinburg for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2015. Aaron W. Bangor of Austin; Rodolfo "Rudy" Becerra Jr. of Nacogdoches; Heather Griffith of Fort Worth; Faye Kuo of Austin; Margaret Larsen of Austin; and Marco Trevino of Edinburg for terms to expire Feb. 1, 2016.