Senate Fish, Game and Forestry committee reappoints DNR members; names Dr. Hartley committee chair

The Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee on an affirmative voice vote approved reappointments to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) board and advanced Dr. Mark Hartley to serve as committee chair.

Committee members conducted routine screenings, confirming that the committee had received personal data questionnaires, background checks, credit reports and driving records for the nominees. During the screenings, nominees denied any current investigations and reported no family ownership of businesses receiving state or federal funds that pass through the department.

Mr. Swaggart was sworn in; he told the committee, "It's been an honor, and I look forward to serving more time with them. Thank you." The committee chair asked if any member had questions; none were raised and a motion to approve the reappointments was made, seconded and carried by voice vote with no opposition.

Dr. Mark Hartley, who was screened both for reappointment and to be named committee chairman, told the committee he had "enjoyed so much being on the DNR boards for this past term" and said, "I see my role as carrying out Governor McMaster's pledge to the people to conserve half of the state before he leaves office." Committee members commended Hartley for his conservation work and fundraising leadership with Ducks Unlimited. After a brief exchange of questions and remarks, the committee moved and seconded a motion to advance Hartley; the motion passed by voice vote with no opposition.

The committee recorded no disclosures of ongoing investigations for the nominees and requested no further follow-up. The committee chair closed the item and moved on to the next business on the agenda.