Senate committee reviews Jackie Johnson's nomination for Arizona Department of Gaming

The Senate Committee on Director Nominations convened on March 13, 2025, to review the nomination of Jackie Johnson for the position of Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of committee members, followed by the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on March 6, 2025.

Chairman Jay Kaufman opened the session by emphasizing the committee's commitment to a thorough evaluation of nominees, highlighting the importance of agency directors in administering government functions without overstepping legislative boundaries. He stated that the confirmation process is vital to ensure that nominees will uphold Arizona's laws and align with the priorities of constituents, particularly in areas of public health, safety, and welfare.

Kaufman reiterated the committee's intention to ask challenging questions to nominees, ensuring that they are qualified and possess a vision that serves all Arizonans. He outlined the structure of the confirmation hearing, which included a 5 to 10 minute opening statement from the nominee, followed by questions from committee members and public comments.

Jackie Johnson was then invited to present her opening statement. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be considered for the role and acknowledged the committee's efforts in reviewing her qualifications and experience. The meeting proceeded with Johnson's introduction, setting the stage for further discussions regarding her nomination.

The committee's focus on the qualifications and intentions of nominees reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the integrity of Arizona's governance and ensuring that appointed officials adhere to the state's laws and regulations. Further discussions and evaluations of Johnson's nomination are expected to follow in subsequent sessions.