Senate confirmations committee advances two nominees in unanimous votes

At a brief meeting of the Alabama Senate confirmations committee, members voted unanimously to give favorable reports for two nominees, sending both to the full Senate for consideration.

Both nominees were recommendations from the Speaker of the House rather than the governor’s office, the committee chair said, and the governor’s staff were not present at the hearing. The committee recorded 10-0 tallies on both items.

Lynn Brewer was presented for appointment to the Alabama Board of Heating and Air Conditioning. Senator Sessions moved a favorable report and Senator Figures seconded; the committee conducted a long roll call and the chair announced a favorable report with a 10-0 vote. The committee then moved to the next confirmation.

On the nomination of Chief Brandy Williams to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission, an unidentified senator asked to review a Department of Examiners audit before proceeding. The senator said, "I would like to take a look at this prior to us going in tomorrow myself," noting the audit materials had been distributed. The committee chair offered to discuss the request separately.

An unidentified senator who said they had spoken with the president of the nominee’s college described the candidate as "very highly recommended" and moved to confirm. The motion was recorded in the transcript as made "by Senator Allen, seconded by Senator Gavan." The committee voted unanimously to forward Chief Brandy Williams to the floor with a favorable report.

The chair closed the short session, thanked members, and said a fuller agenda is expected next week.