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Committee hears reappointment of Anna Janie Dressen to Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole
Summary
Anna Janie Dressen appeared by phone to describe her long tenure on the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole and her support for rehabilitation and pardons. The committee did not vote on the reappointment during the meeting and will take the nomination up at a later date.
The Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee heard from Anna Janie Dressen, nominated for reappointment to the Idaho Commission of Pardons and Parole. Speaking by phone, Dressen summarized decades of public service and experience on the commission: she was first appointed in 1997, served until 2006, later returned and described pardon hearings as "my favorite favorite days of work."
Dressen told senators she supports rehabilitation and redemption and pointed to her long service and knowledge of the commission’s processes. She said commissioners review files, interview applicants and prioritize public safety when making decisions about parole and pardons. "At the foremost of our minds when we are in those deliberations is public safety," Dressen said.
Senators asked about programmatic matters such as riders and whether certain offender types typically participate in rider programs; Dressen said it would be "very, very unusual" for certain offender categories to go through rider programs and emphasized the commission’s focus on public-safety considerations.
The committee did not vote on the reappointment at this hearing; the chair noted formal votes on gubernatorial appointments are normally taken at a subsequent meeting. Dressen thanked the committee for the opportunity to continue serving and the panel concluded the appointment hearing for later action.
