Senate committee hears gubernatorial appointee Ginny Bridal for offender management board; vote deferred

The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee on a call heard gubernatorial appointee Ginny Bridal introduce herself and explain her qualifications for a seat on the state’s offender management board; the committee deferred a confirmation vote to its next meeting.

Bridal, who identified herself as a licensed clinical professional counselor based in Nampa and the owner of a private practice, told the committee she provides treatment and evaluations to adult and juvenile clients involved with probation and parole. “I currently own my own practice and run my practice based out of Nampa and provide treatment and evaluations to adult and juvenile clients in the justice system,” Bridal said. She told senators that her direct work with evaluations and treatment gives her a “real world perspective” useful for shaping best practices the board develops.

Committee members asked about likely challenges and Bridal said maintaining confidentiality and meeting attendance were priorities. “I’ve plan[ned] to adjust my schedule to make sure that I can attend all of the scheduled meetings of the [offender management] board,” she said. Senators also asked about a line on her form listing voter registration; Bridal said she listed her registration as a cover-all but did not think party registration was relevant to the appointment.

Chairman Todd Lakey (R-District 23) thanked Bridal for appearing and told her the committee customarily takes the confirmation vote at the meeting following a public introduction. No vote was taken and Bridal was excused.

The committee record shows no formal action on the appointment at this meeting; senators said they will take the vote at a subsequent hearing.