Senate confirms multiple gubernatorial appointments and passes a package of bills including changes to partial confinement rules

The Washington State Senate used floor time on Feb. 18 to confirm a slate of gubernatorial appointments and to advance dozens of bills across policy areas including education, agriculture, pensions, housing, corrections and tenant protections.

Confirmations: The Senate confirmed four governor nominations by recorded roll calls. Senator Rebecca Kaufman moved confirmation of Charles Clark as director of the Department of Financial Institutions; the clerk announced the vote as 48 yeas, 0 nays, 1 excused for Charles Clark (Senate Gubernatorial Appointment 9207). Senator Chapman moved and the Senate confirmed Derek Sanderson as Director of the Department of Agriculture (Appointment 9213) by roll-call, announced as 48 yeas, 0 nays, 1 excused. Senator Valdez moved confirmation of the adjutant general appointment (No. 9221), which the clerk recorded as 48 yeas, 0 nays, 1 excused. Senator Kaufman moved confirmation of Joe Wynne as Director of the Department of Commerce (Appointment 9211); the clerk announced 48 yeas, 0 nays, 1 excused and the appointment was confirmed.

Education, licensing and workforce bills: The Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 5025 (educational interpreters certification and amendments to RCW language governing standards for interpreters), moved by Senator Lavec; the clerk announced a constitutional majority and declared the bill passed (vote announced as 48 yea, 0 nay, 1 excused). On pensions and actuarial oversight, Substitute Senate Bill 5168 (moving duties of the state actuary appointment committee to the pension funding council) was advanced and passed on final…