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Committee recommends former representative Hovall for state Board of Ethics
Summary
The House and Governmental Affairs Committee recommended former Representative Hovall on Dec. 12 to fill a House vacancy on the state Board of Ethics after an interview that prompted member questions about how nominees are solicited and vetted under a recent law change.
The House and Governmental Affairs Committee on Tuesday recommended former Representative Hovall to fill a vacancy on the state Board of Ethics and will forward the nomination to a vote of the full House.
The recommendation followed an interview during the committee's Dec. 12 meeting in which members asked about how nominees are solicited and whether the change in law that moved a House seat from college-appointed members to legislative appointment affects vetting. Representative Newell pressed for a more transparent solicitation process and more time to review candidates; the committee chair said the committee hearing provides an additional transparency step and stated that the bill did not remove background checks by state police.
Why it matters: Last spring lawmakers changed the appointment process so that a former college-appointed seat is now filled from the House membership. Members said that shift means the House should consider formalizing how and when it solicits or vets nominees to ensure multiple candidates are reviewed.
At the meeting the nominee introduced himself and described his background. "It's an honor to be even considered for the position," the nominee said, noting 13 years of prior legislative service and that he now runs a part-time insurance agency in Breaux Bridge. Representative Billings moved a favorable recommendation, praising the nominee's civic involvement and awards; with no objection voiced, the committee recommended the nominee to the full House.
During questioning Representative Fornham asked whether the Board of Ethics has authority to set rules on cell phone usage; the nominee said he would check and follow up. Representative Baham asked whether the nominee had previously carried legislation to fine people for cell phone use; the nominee said he had carried that issue "a couple of times" and had testified against related legislation in the Senate as a private citizen.
The committee also approved its Nov. 13 minutes without objection and adjourned.
What the committee did not decide: The committee only recommended the nominee to the full House; a final election by the House remains pending. Members also discussed but did not adopt any new solicitation or vetting procedures during this meeting.
Next steps: The nomination will be placed before the full House for a vote; committee staff said they will notify the nominee and members of that schedule.
