State Representative Eric Watson was named to chair the Criminal Justice Committee of the Tennessee House of Representatives.  Watson will have charge of one of the most powerful committees in the House as a result of the appointment by House Speaker Beth Harwell.

“During his time with the Tennessee legislature, Representative Watson has worked tirelessly on behalf of his district to produce new jobs, improve educational opportunities and secure state and federal improvement grants,” said Speaker Beth Harwell. “He has truly been dedicated to serving the people of the state of Tennessee throughout his long-standing career.”

This is a major appointment for Rep. Watson. Since first being elected to the House, Watson has risen rapidly through the ranks, having just completed a term as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee for the 107th General Assembly. He was also served as Chairman of the Criminal Practice and Procedure Subcommittee for the 106th General Assembly.

Most recently Rep. Watson was appointed to Co-Chair the NCSL Standing Committee on Law and Criminal Justice and to serve on the Tennessee Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.

“This appointment is a real plus for the people of this District. Being a committee chairman gives much more clout to the district and being able to get things accomplished for my constituents,” said Watson.

Rep. Watson has spent his career in law enforcement. He is a Graduate of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation State Academy – Class President; Graduate of Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy; Graduate of the Tennessee Sheriffs School; Graduate of Tennessee Public School System; United States Marshal Service Academy; Andersonville Theological Seminary, Master’s Degree, Summa Cum Laude and  Graduate of University of Tennessee Martin.

In making the announcement Speaker Harwell noted, “Eric Watson will do an excellent job as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.  He previously served as the Judiciary chairman and his background in law enforcement will serve the committee well.”

Rep. Watson has garnered accolades from many constituent groups including The Tennessee Association of Realtors, “2008 Legislator of the Year”; County Officials Association of Tennessee,  “2010 Outstanding Service Award”; Tennessee Fraternal Order of Police, “2010 Outstanding Service Award”; “2011 Legislator of the Year” by the Tennessee District Attorneys Generals Conference;  2012 Veteran of Foreign Wars Loyalty Day Award;  2012 Best Political Leader Award of Bradley County;  2012 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Award.

Rep. Watson said, “I am honored and humbled to receive this appointment. My goal is simply to serve the people of this state by seeing they are protected and their rights are protected from those who prey on innocent Tennesseans.”

Rep. Watson has served in the 104th, 105th, 106th, 107th, and 108th General Assemblies. He represents Meigs, Polk and Bradley County.