Senate committee recommends Michelle Whitworth for Florida Commission on Offender Review

The Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee on an affirmative vote recommended Michelle Whitworth for appointment to the Florida Commission on Offender Review after a brief confirmation hearing.

Whitworth was sworn in, addressed the committee and described her background: “I’ve been in the criminal justice world for 30 years, starting at the Florida Department of Corrections,” she said, and added that she is “now reviewing the very cases that I supervised in my career as a probation officer.”

Committee members asked no substantive policy questions, and several supporters submitted appearance cards in support, including David Wyatt identified as an F Corp chairman and Barney Bishop of the Florida Smart Justice Alliance (both waived in). Whitworth closed by saying she would “enjoy your support” and stressing her experience in supervision and victim and public-safety considerations.

Vice Chair Smith moved to recommend confirmation; a second was recorded. The committee recorded a favorable recommendation for Whitworth.

The committee immediately moved to other agenda items after the vote; the confirmation will be reflected in committee records sent to the full Senate for further action.

Whitworth’s confirmation recommendation means the commission will have a nominee with long experience in corrections and probation work; formal appointment requires subsequent steps outside this committee’s action.

No state statutes or other legal authorities were cited during the confirmation exchange.

The committee adjourned consideration of the appointment and proceeded to the next agenda items.