Idaho Senate confirms multiple gubernatorial appointments to state boards and authorities

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Senate on Jan. 23 adopted committee reports confirming several gubernatorial appointments to state boards and authorities, approving a mix of reappointments and new nominees across natural-resources, insurance, energy and corrections posts.

The confirmations were handled by voice votes after brief floor debate. Senators who spoke in support cited local knowledge, industry experience and prior public service as reasons to confirm the nominees.

Sen. Sarah Hart (who moved adoption of the committee report on Brent Baker) recommended reappointing Brent Baker to the Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission. “Mister Baker has been on the Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission since 02/2003,” Hart said, noting Baker’s volunteer roles, long-term property ownership on Lake Pend Oreille and experience with local economic development. The Senate adopted the committee report confirming Baker’s appointment to a term expiring July 24, 2026.

Senators also confirmed Mark Brinkmeyer to the Lake Pend Oreille Basin Commission. Sen. O'Conowitz described Brinkmeyer as “first and foremost a conservationist” with forestry-industry experience and local ties, and the Senate adopted the committee report confirming his term through July 24, 2026.

The Senate approved the reappointment of Steve Landon to the State Insurance Fund Board, a body that provides workers’ compensation insurance for Idaho employers. Sen. Ruttke said Landon “has more than 40 years of experience in labor leadership,” and the Senate adopted the committee report confirming Landon to a term expiring May 1, 2028.

Scott Madison was confirmed…