Senate committee meets gubernatorial appointee to offender management board; vote deferred

The Idaho Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee on an unspecified January date heard from gubernatorial appointee Ginny Bridal, a licensed clinical professional counselor from Nampa, who introduced herself and described professional experience working with probation and parole and providing treatment and evaluations to adult and juvenile clients in the justice system.

Bridal told the committee she owns and operates a private counseling practice in Nampa and said that her daily work evaluating and treating justice-involved clients gives her “a unique perspective” that would inform best practices for the offender management board. Bridal said she had adjusted her schedule so she could attend board meetings if appointed.

Committee chair Senator Todd Lakey (District 23) opened the introduction and asked Bridal to state her name for the record. Bridal described her background and why she sought the appointment. Senator Melissa Wintrow and other senators asked about anticipated challenges and how Bridal’s experience would translate to board work; Bridal said confidentiality and meeting attendance were priorities she had already addressed.

During questioning, senators also asked about Bridal’s political registration. Bridal said she listed a party registration on the application to “cover my basis” because she was unsure whether the information was required for the appointment process.

No committee vote was taken. Chair Lakey told Bridal the committee typically takes a vote on gubernatorial appointments at the meeting following the introductory appearance and excused her; the committee will take up the appointment at that later meeting.

Bridal’s introduction and the committee’s procedural note that the vote will occur at a later meeting were the only formal actions recorded on the appointment during the session.