Video & Transcript : 'governor appointment' :
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CO
Colorado 2026 Regular Session
Colorado Senate 2026 Legislative Day 083 Apr 7th, 2026
Colorado Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:29:11.480><c> Aaron</c> academic community, appointed. Aaron academic community, appointed.
- </c><00:29:22.360><c> John</c> the public at large, appointed. John the public at large, appointed.
- </c> the public at large, appointed. the public at large, appointed.
- </c> appointments, consent calendar. Mr. appointments, consent calendar. Mr.
- </c><01:17:39.120><c> Honorable</c> the Governor. April 2nd, 2026. Honorable the Governor.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate, and notice of appointments is hereby given
- Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
- These appointments are submitted to confirmation by the Senate, and notice of appointments is hereby
- Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
- These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Senate, and notice of appointments is hereby given
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Rules Committee May 13th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I thank Governor Newsom for appointing me once again.
- Our next item is governor appointees required to appear, Item 1B through D: the appointments of Cynthia
- I'm deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for the trust he has placed in me through this appointment.
- Gilroyo's appointment. Thank you. Thank you.
- Gilroyo's appointment. Thank you. Thank you.
Summary:
The committee first approved several governor’s appointments not required to appear, including Arthur Krantz to the Public Employment Relations Board and Christopher Ferguson, Brian Haynes, Anna Marie de Mars, and Ronald Fiore to the Student Aid or Student Athletic commissions, all by unanimous 5-0 votes. It also approved references of bills to committees by a 5-0 vote. The committee then heard from Julia Montgomery, nominated for a third term as General Counsel of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board, who described her work on farmworker rights, outreach, and enforcement of labor protections.
Members questioned Montgomery closely about card-check unionization procedures, signature authenticity, outreach to Spanish-speaking and indigenous-language farmworkers, make-whole enforcement delays, and a long-running Tri-Fanucchi farm case. Montgomery said objections and unfair labor practice charges can be investigated, that signature verification is handled by board staff rather than her office, and that delays often stem from appeals, difficulty locating workers, employer obstruction, and court backlogs. Vice Chair Grove voted no, while Senators Laird and Reyes supported the nomination; the committee advanced Montgomery to the full Senate on a 3-2 vote.
The committee then considered three State Board of Education appointments: Cynthia Glover Woods, Brenda Lewis, and Gabriela Orozco Gonzalez. In opening statements, all three emphasized long careers in public education and support for students, teachers, and families. Questions focused on math achievement, the 2023 math framework and access to Algebra I in middle school, transitional kindergarten, community schools, and the effectiveness of education spending. The nominees said the framework still allows ready eighth graders to take Algebra I, pointed to new instructional materials, professional learning, TK expansion, and community schools as key improvements, and said they had not been involved in the governor’s proposed education governance changes. Public witnesses and education groups testified in strong support. The committee advanced Glover Woods 3-1, Lewis 4-1, and Gonzalez 3-1 to the full Senate.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9265, the Secretary will read.
- Brian Bennett, appointed November 19, 2025, for a term continuing at the pleasure of the governor.
- Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9265. The Secretary will call the roll.
- Senate Gubernatorial Appointment No. 9299, the Secretary will read.
- Angela Ramirez was appointed September 22, 2025, for a term serving at the pleasure of the governor as
Bills:
SB5223 , SB5928 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB6061 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB6137 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB5890 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB5609 , SB5827 , SB5838 , SB5845 , SB5862 , SB5880 , SB5901 , SB5922 , SB5943 , SB5971 , SB5975 , SB5981 , SB5982 , SB5984 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6034 , SB6035 , SB6070 , SB6097 , SB6110 , SB6246 , SB6248 , SB6278 , SJM8016 , SB5496 , SB6054 , SB5835 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6247 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB6194 , SB5909 , SB5868 , SB6026 , SB5974 , SB6044 , SB5906 , SB6081 , SB6239 , SB5923 , SB6323 , SB6210 , SB6045 , SB6106 , SB5346 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5968
Keywords:
criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation, healthcare
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 28th, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- I actually just finished the term as a trustee at USF as a governor appointment.
- since 1999, having first been appointed by then-Governor Jeb Bush to the District Board of Trustees
- since 1999, having first been appointed by then-Governor. continuously since 1999, having first been
- appointed by then Governor Jeb Bush to the District Board of Trustees of Hillsborough Community College
- There was a break-up there in my service in which I was appointed in 2006 by Governor Bush and then appointed
NV
Transcript Highlights:
- And if that student were appointed by one of the four entities that have the capacity to appoint a member—the
- authority shall make an appointment.
- What's the appointing authority?
- So the appointing authority that's going to make the appointment in Washoe County would not apply here
- to appoint those people.
Committee:
Assembly Education
NM
New Mexico 2026 Regular Session
Senate Chamber Feb 6th, 2026 at 11:27 am
New Mexico Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- He was first appointed governor at the age of 27 in 2000, and since then he's been part of the Sandia
- Are they not appointed by the governor? Mr.
- President, I think we've established they are appointed by the governor. Thank you. And, Mr.
- Are they not appointed by the governor? Mr.
- President, I think we've established they are appointed by the governor. Thank you. And, Mr.
ID
Transcript Highlights:
- . 1384, 1385, and Senate Bill 1386 were delivered to the Office of the Governor at 4:05 p.m.
- The Senate will advance to the eighth order of business: messages from the Governor.
- Sincerely, Brad Little, Governor of Idaho.
- Carnaroli, appointed to the Idaho Judicial Council, term to expire January 7, 2013.
- to choose from for appointment to the district courts.
FL
Florida 2026 4th Special Session
January 13, 2026 - 03:30 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- And then the last column is the appointment information for the county courts.
- And in terms of appointment, 5 of the just 5 of the county court judges have been appointed. 3 are pending
- to the governor.
- This governor has chosen to ask for 6 names for vacancies.
- And the timeline shows you that it was in August of 2023 when Governor DeSantis appointed the board of
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 11th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Gubernatorial appointment number 9265, the Secretary will read.
- Brian Bennett appointed November 19th, 2025, for a term continuing at the pleasure of the governor.
- Senator, the gubernatorial appointment number 9299, the Secretary will read.
- Angela Ramirez was appointed September 22nd, 2025, for a term serving at the pleasure of the governor
- Senator Wilson moves confirmation of gubernatorial appointment number 9299.
Bills:
SB5223 , SB5928 , SB6071 , SB5995 , SB5966 , SB5841 , SB6061 , SB5944 , SB5520 , SB6087 , SB6076 , SB5916 , SB6016 , SB6137 , SB6009 , SB5833 , SB6161 , SB5890 , SB5973 , SJM8015 , SB5816 , SB5053 , SB5249 , SB5536 , SB5834 , SB5837 , SB5872 , SB5879 , SB5899 , SB5925 , SB6019 , SB6148 , SB6190 , SB6237 , SB6086 , SB5574 , SB5873 , SB5992 , SB5924 , SB6134 , SB6263 , SB5395 , SB6282 , SB5905 , SB6302 , SB5950 , SB6074 , SB6096 , SB5970 , SB5609 , SB5827 , SB5838 , SB5845 , SB5862 , SB5880 , SB5901 , SB5922 , SB5943 , SB5971 , SB5975 , SB5981 , SB5982 , SB5984 , SB5988 , SB5994 , SB6034 , SB6035 , SB6070 , SB6097 , SB6110 , SB6246 , SB6248 , SB6278 , SJM8016 , SB5496 , SB6054 , SB5835 , SB5907 , SB6031 , SB6155 , SB6158 , SB6227 , SB5947 , SB6247 , SB6085 , SB6234 , SB6274 , SB6194 , SB5909 , SB5868 , SB6026 , SB5974 , SB6044 , SB5906 , SB6081 , SB6239 , SB5923 , SB6323 , SB6210 , SB6045 , SB6106 , SB5346 , SB6089 , SB6170 , SB5954 , SB5968
Keywords:
criminal offense, fingerprinting, law enforcement, state regulations, public safety, wildfire risk, disclosure, safety, environmental policy, risk assessment, overpayment recovery, modernization, health care, legislation, zero emission, cargo handling, port district, environmental impact, grant allocation, healthcare
Summary:
The Senate convened with roll call, the colors presented by the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer by Pastor Jesse Bradley. The journal was approved, and the chamber received House messages announcing passage of several bills, including House Bill 1687, Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1960, House Bill 102, and Substitute House Bill 1.
The Senate then adopted Senate Resolution 8684, which honored Washingtonians with ties to Team USA at the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina. Senator Riccelli spoke in support, praising the athletes’ determination and Washington connections. The resolution passed by voice vote.
The Senate next considered gubernatorial appointments. Brian C. Bennett was confirmed 49-0 as Director of the Washington State Lottery, with Senator Lovick speaking in support and highlighting Bennett’s public service and transition-team work. Angela Ramirez was then confirmed 49-0 as Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, with Senators Claire Wilson and Christian praising her experience, commitment, and attention to human services issues. After the confirmations, the Senate stood at ease for caucuses.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
March 11, 2025 - 01:00 PM
Transcript Highlights:
- seat, since we are removing the lieutenant governor position?
- governor would not be the person taking their place.
- So we are eliminating the Office of Lieutenant Governor.
- Normally the body creates policy, we pass it, and the governor, the individual person, the governor,
- Normally the body creates policy, we pass it, and the governor, the individual person, the governor,
Summary:
The Government Operations Subcommittee heard several measures focused on government structure, oversight, and public policy designations. The most debated bill was HJR 1325, which proposed a constitutional amendment to create a statewide Commissioner of Government Efficiency, abolish the lieutenant governor office and the Government Efficiency Task Force, and eliminate the constitutional requirement for an Auditor General appointment. Sponsors said the new commissioner would be a watchdog over waste, fraud, and abuse across state and local government, while opponents raised concerns about cost, single-subject issues, lack of implementation details, and whether existing oversight structures were sufficient. After extensive debate, the resolution was reported favorably by a recorded vote.
The committee also approved HB 575, which redesignates the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America in Florida statute, and HB 1445, which requires certain state officials and agency heads to have stronger ties to Florida and, for some positions, to live in the county where their agency headquarters is located. HB 1445 drew questions about practicality and whether a proximity standard would be better than a strict county requirement, but the sponsor said he would continue working on that issue. Both bills were reported favorably, with HB 1445 passing unanimously.
In addition, the committee unanimously approved HB 259, designating August 21 as Fentanyl Awareness and Education Day, with supporters emphasizing the need for public education about fentanyl overdoses. The committee also passed CS/HB 29, the public records and meetings bill linked to the social work licensure compact, which creates confidentiality and meeting exemptions needed for the compact to operate. Public testimony on that measure was supportive, and it too was reported favorably without opposition.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- Members, let's take up Tab 4 and 5, confirmation hearing for appointments.
- This bill also specifies that appointed members of the Board of Governors may serve only a single seven-year
- term and that each member appointed by the Governor must be a resident of the state.
- The bill removes, within the consideration of appointing members, appointments, reappointments, suspensions
- appoint a presidential search committee.
Committee:
Senate Education Postsecondary
Summary:
The Committee on Education Postsecondary held confirmation hearings for two State University System Board of Governors appointees, M. Carson Good and Speaker Paul Renner. Good described his background in Florida real estate, airport governance, and fundraising, and said he would focus on improving university performance, collaboration among institutions, and growing endowments while keeping in-state tuition stable. Renner emphasized his legislative experience with higher education, and said his priorities on the Board would be transparency, compliance with legislative direction, and reducing administrative bloat. Both nominees were recommended for confirmation on a single vote, with Senator Berman noting concern about the low number of women on the board.
The committee then heard and passed SB 1726, a higher education transparency bill by Senator Calatayud. The bill would require Board of Governors members to comply with constitutional financial disclosure requirements, set term limits for State Board of Education and university board members, change rules for presidential searches and public records, and require more detailed textbook and syllabus information for students. A student advocate from Florida Student Power Network supported the bill as increasing student involvement and democratic accountability in higher education. Senator Harrell raised a concern about residency requirements for Board of Governors members, and the sponsor said that issue could be revisited later. The bill was reported favorably.
Next, the committee considered SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship funding. A delete-all amendment was adopted that required clearer funding splits between local education agencies and program providers, annual reporting, a standard DOE contract template, and a cap on administrative fees in certain cases. Supporters from industry groups said the changes would improve transparency and accountability without requesting additional funding. The committee then reported the bill favorably.
Finally, the committee heard SB 584 on young adult housing support. An amendment removed a requirement that state agencies act as co-signers or guarantors on leases while preserving coordination for the federal Foster Youth to Independence program. Several former foster youth and advocates testified in support, describing housing instability and its impact on education, and urging broader access to campus housing and vouchers. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes housing and work-study for homeless and former foster youth, supports the FYI program, and directs a statewide study of housing barriers. The committee reported the bill favorably and then adjourned.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Jay Inslee, Governor. Senator Chapman. Thank you, Mr. President.
- Senate gubernatorial appointment...
- Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9040, the Secretary will read.
- Rebecca Chan appointed October 14, 2025, by Jay Inslee, Governor. Senator Solomon. Mr.
- Bethany Martinez, appointed November 3rd, by Jay Inslee, Governor. Senator Warnick. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate convened with all members present, received the journal without objection, and took up messages from the House and first-reading referrals. It then considered Senate Resolution 8672 honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guting, who was killed in the line of duty. Several senators spoke in support, reflecting on her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of motorists slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed members of Trooper Guting’s family and the State Patrol.
The chamber then moved to gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed as a member of the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47-aye, 2 absent. Rebecca A. Chan was confirmed as a member of the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 49-aye, 0-nay. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed as a member of the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 49-aye, 0-nay. Senators speaking in support highlighted each appointee’s community involvement, professional background, and education-related experience.
After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus and lunch until 1 p.m. No other substantive legislative action was taken in the portion provided.
FL
Florida 2026 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Jan 21st, 2026
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education
Transcript Highlights:
- So when this opportunity came up, and I was thankful that the governor appointed me to do this, to be
- My first appointment was in 2007. I've been reappointed by Governor Chris, Governor Scott.
- I've been reappointed by Governor Chris, Governor Scott, and now Governor DeSantis.
- I was appointed to the Palm Beach County Healthcare District, now voiced by Governor...
- I was appointed to the Palm Beach County Healthcare District, now voiced by Governor Braudas Santos,
Summary:
The Appropriations Committee on Higher Education met to consider a large slate of confirmations and reappointments to boards of trustees for Florida’s colleges, universities, and the Florida Prepaid College Board. Chair Harrell opened by emphasizing the importance of trustee appointments to maintaining Florida’s higher education system, and the committee heard brief testimony from each nominee about their background, ties to the institution, and priorities such as student success, workforce alignment, fiscal stewardship, and community partnerships. Several nominees highlighted personal connections to their schools, including alumni status, family legacy, or prior service on the board, while others emphasized experience in business, law, education, health care, or public service.
Testimony focused heavily on workforce development and institutional growth. Speakers cited nursing, dual enrollment, applied programs, military and veteran support, broadband access, agriculture, law enforcement, and technical training as key areas for colleges to meet regional labor needs. University nominees discussed research expansion, affordability, strategic planning, and partnerships with industry and government, with Florida Atlantic, Florida Polytechnic, the University of West Florida, and the University of South Florida each described as being in periods of growth or transition. Miami-Dade College, Tallahassee State College, Polk State College, and other state colleges were praised for enrollment, economic impact, and job placement outcomes.
The committee also heard from the Florida Prepaid College Board reappointee, who described the program as a long-term promise backed by public trust and reported recent technology and customer-service improvements. After testimony, the committee took up the nominations as a group. One nominee, Drew Weatherford, had withdrawn and was not voted on. The remaining trustees were approved unanimously by roll call and reported favorably to the Ethics and Elections Committee. The meeting then adjourned.
AZ
Transcript Highlights:
- Oh yeah, let me read some temporary appointments real quick.
- A credit, I would remind this body, that the governor herself voted for.
- A credit, I would remind this body, that the governor herself voted for.
- The governor, Democrats, they fought to put it all back.
- Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board, Richard D.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Floor Session Feb 12th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Washington Senate Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- Kerry Heaton, appointed January 6, 2025, for the term ending September 30. Jay Inslee, Governor.
- Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9040, the Secretary will read.
- Rebecca Chan appointed October 14, Jay Inslee, Governor. Senator Solomon. Mr.
- Senate gubernatorial appointment number 9045, the Secretary will read.
- Bethany Martinez appointed November 3rd. Jay Inslee, Governor. Senator Warnick. Thank you, Mr.
Summary:
The Senate opened with roll call, colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer. The journal was approved, House messages were received, and several measures were introduced and referred, including Senate Joint Resolution 8212 and House Bill 2664. The chamber then took up Senate Resolution 8672, honoring Washington State Patrol Trooper Tara Marissa Guding, who was killed in the line of duty. Senators spoke in support, emphasizing her service, the risks faced by troopers, and the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency vehicles. The resolution was adopted unanimously, all members were added as co-sponsors, and the Senate observed a moment of silence and welcomed Trooper Guding’s colleagues and family.
The Senate then considered gubernatorial appointments. Kerry Heaton was confirmed to the Peninsula College Board of Trustees by a roll call vote of 47 ayes and 2 absent. Rebecca Chan was confirmed to the Shoreline Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Bethany J. Martinez was confirmed to the Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees by a vote of 49 ayes and 0 nays. Senators speaking on the appointments highlighted each nominee’s community involvement, professional background, and qualifications for the board positions.
After the confirmations, the Senate agreed to stand at ease for caucus until 1 p.m. The transcript also included the reading of the prior day’s journal and routine procedural motions to advance through the orders of business.
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- For inclusion of lay members, Florida requires the governor to appoint one or more non-practitioners
- Of lay members, Florida requires the governor to appoint one or more non-practitioners to a board, or
- In Florida, the governor selects and appoints health care board members who are then confirmed by the
- For example, in Alabama, the governor, lieutenant governor, and the Speaker of the House each appoint
- Finally, states may use both governor and board appointment.
Committee:
Senate Health Policy
Summary:
The Senate Health Policy Committee heard and advanced several health-related bills focused largely on drowning prevention, surgical smoke, human trafficking training, and chiropractic patient funds. SB 428 would expand Florida’s swim lesson voucher program from children ages 0-4 to ages 1-7; the sponsor and supporters from Nemours and the YMCA emphasized Florida’s high child drowning rates and argued that swim lessons reduce risk and should be more widely accessible. Senator Harrell noted the need to revisit funding levels as eligibility expands. The bill was reported favorably.
The committee also considered SB 606, which adds drowning prevention and safe bathing education to postpartum education provided by hospitals, birthing centers, and home birth providers. A mother who lost her daughter to drowning testified in support, describing the bill as an early opportunity to educate parents. An amendment removed home birth providers from the compliance-proof requirement, and the bill was adopted as amended and reported favorably as a committee substitute.
SB 162 would require hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to adopt policies for using smoke evacuation systems during procedures that generate surgical smoke. The sponsor said the equipment is relatively inexpensive and already used in many facilities, while several senators raised concerns about the lack of supporting data, possible burdens on rural and smaller facilities, and whether the mandate should be narrower. Despite those concerns, the bill was reported favorably, with the sponsor saying more data would be provided later. The committee also approved SB 340, requiring a two-hour human trafficking course for nursing students before licensure, after amending it to make the requirement apply to students rather than nursing programs. Finally, SB 192, presented by Senator Trumbull for Senator Martin, removed the $1,500 cap on advances chiropractic physicians may collect for examinations or treatment; the Florida Chiropractic Society supported the change, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee also received an OPAGA presentation reviewing Florida’s health care practitioner regulation system and comparing board oversight, rulemaking, funding, appointments, and term-limit models in other states.
NM
Transcript Highlights:
- by the governor.
- So once 90 days happens, then the governor will be able to, according to the bill on page two, appoint
- Madam Chair, Senator Block, the next governor will be able to appoint the next Secretary of the General
- The next governor can appoint three members here.
- for appointment.
Committees:
Senate Senate Rules , Senate House Rules & Order Of Business
Keywords:
Governor's Residence, management committee, government administration, New Mexico, advisory, commission, general services, nominating committees, boards of regents, student representation, political party registration, New Mexico constitution, overdose prevention centers, harm reduction, drug overdose, opioid crisis, substance use disorder, public health, addiction treatment, naloxone
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- And I'd like to thank Governor Abbott for appointing me to this role.
- And I'd like to thank Governor Abbott for appointing me to this role.
- The governor appointed Commissioner Gonzalez to TCEQ last February.
- I'm pleased to introduce Benjamin Barkley, who's been appointed by Governor Abbott to serve as Chief
- My name is Benjamin Barkley, and I was privileged to be appointed by Governor Abbott to the position
Committee:
Senate Nominations
Summary:
The Senate Committee on Nominations met with a quorum and first took up pending nominations from an earlier agenda. Members severed Douglas McReecken, nominated to the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents, from the rest of the list and then voted to report the remaining nominees to the full Senate by a 7-0 vote. The committee then voted on the severed nomination itself and reported Douglas McReecken to the full Senate as well, by a 5-2 vote.
The committee heard testimony from Brooke Pop, reappointed as chair of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and later from Commissioner Katarina Gonzalez, also of TCEQ. Questions focused on whether TCEQ rules comply with state law, ex parte restrictions, public transparency, concrete batch plant permitting, MUD approvals, water availability, illegal dams, enforcement, and the agency’s role in local environmental disputes. Both nominees said they follow the law as written, described internal legal review of rules, and emphasized transparency, public outreach, and enforcement; Gonzalez said she had already sent back two rules she believed did not comply with legislation. Members also discussed TCEQ’s authority limits and the need for clearer public communication about what the agency can and cannot regulate.
The committee also considered Alethea Sullivan, nominated to the Texas Southern University Board of Regents. Questions centered on TSU’s status as an independent institution, the role of HBCUs amid DEI-related legal changes, and student outcomes. Sullivan said she would focus on ensuring taxpayer and student resources produce valuable credentials and noted concerns from her review of graduation and bar passage rates. The committee then heard from Benjamin Barkley, appointed chief executive and public counsel of the Office of Public Utility Counsel. Barkley said OPUC’s main need is additional funding to recruit and retain attorneys and expert witnesses, reduce turnover, and continue representing residential and small commercial consumers in utility rate cases; he said the office was involved in 73 contested cases and saved Texans $2.2 billion in FY 2024. No final action was taken on the later nominees, and the committee recessed with nominations left pending.
FL
Florida 2025 Regular Session
Appropriations Committee on Higher Education Apr 15th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- by Governor DeSantis.
- And I also want to thank of course, our great Governor, Ron DeSantis for trusting me with this appointment
- It's appointment to the boards of trustees and I suppose in the to the Board of Governors and the state
- And I wouldn't say that I am the but in any sense, the the most excellent appointments that the governor
- The appointments are their loyalty.