Committee clears bill to make corrections secretary answer to governor

Senate Bill 194 was presented by Senator Hester to make the Department of Correction secretary consistent with other agency secretaries by having the secretary answer to the governor.

Senator Hester said the bill "makes it a the secretary of department of correction, uniform to all other secretaries that they answer to the governor and not the board of the of their agency." Several senators sought clarification about the bill's language that refers to the board appointing the secretary while the secretary would serve "at the pleasure of the governor." Senator Payton and others noted the statute could be read as the board appointing the secretary even though the governor nominates and the senate confirms. Senator Tucker and Senator Hester clarified the typical sequence: the governor nominates, the senate confirms, and the department board also votes, after which the secretary would answer to the governor.

Senator Hester closed and moved to pass the bill; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee transcript records a voice vote with "Aye" and no recorded opposition.