State Sen. Greg Hecht, D-Jonesboro, will chair the Senate Corrections, Correctional Institutions and Property Committee, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor has announced.

Hecht, whose district includes northern Fayette County, is widely recognized as a leader on law enforcement and public safety issues in the legislature,” said Taylor. “His time as an assistant district attorney and legal experience in representing police officers, deputy sheriffs and correctional institutions makes him a great choice for the position,” he added.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity and will utilize my law enforcement background to be best of my abilities to protect our citizens,” said Hecht. `I am looking forward to making sure that our legislation favors strong and certain punishment for serious criminals.”

He said the committee also will work to ensure wise and efficient use of tax dollars in law enforcement.

“I appreciate the lieutenant governor's and the legislature's confidence, and I intend to work extraordinarily hard as chairman of the committee to protect our citizens from crime,” he said.