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Committee recommends multiple gubernatorial nominees, including Hatch and Littell; four separate roll calls recorded
Summary
The Senate committee voted to recommend confirmations for Dr. John Littell (Board of Medicine), Taylor Hatch (DCF secretary), Ayla Shapiro (Florida Polytech trustee), Thomas Zachary Smith (University of West Florida trustee) and the remainder of tabs 4–27 en bloc; roll calls and a separate public‑comment period were recorded.
The Florida Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections took action on multiple gubernatorial appointees during its March committee meeting. Highlights:
- Dr. John Littell (Tab 2), nomination to the Florida Board of Medicine: recommended by committee, roll call recorded (Yes: Senators Bradley, Garcia, Grawl, Chair Gates; No: Senators Polsky, Rouson, Vice Chair Bernard). Motion moved by Senator Garcia and seconded by Senator Grama.
- Taylor Hatch (Tab 1), nomination for Secretary of the Department of Children and Families: recommended favorably after extended questioning; roll call recorded and the committee requested follow‑up reporting on forensic audit recoveries and Hope Florida Foundation compliance.
- Ayla Shapiro (Tab 24), trustee to Florida Polytech: committee recommended confirmation after brief debate and a separate vote.
- Thomas Zachary Smith (Tab 27), trustee to the University of West Florida: committee recommended confirmation after separate consideration; objections were raised regarding Heritage Foundation ties.
- Tabs 4–27: remaining nominees were considered en bloc and recommended favorably by roll call.
Each recommended confirmation will be transmitted to the full Senate for final action. Several senators asked for additional documentation and follow‑up reporting on audits and contract oversight that will inform subsequent oversight activity.
