Senate confirms en bloc nominees and several individual appointments, including Steve Lacy to Board of Regents

The Senate confirmed a slate of nominees during a morning session that included an en bloc confirmation and three individual votes, approving Carolyn Schulte to the Board of Parole (and later as chair), Peter County to the State Board of Regents, and Steve Lacy to the State Board of Regents. The clerk reported the en bloc vote as 41 ayes and 0 nays; Peter County's confirmation was recorded as 41 ayes and 1 nay; Steve Lacy's confirmation was recorded as 42 ayes and 0 nays. The transcript records that Carolyn Schulte received the required two-thirds majority for confirmation though the roll-call numbers for that specific vote are unclear in the record.

Why it matters: confirmations to the Board of Parole affect statewide parole oversight and leadership; appointments to the State Board of Regents shape governance of public higher education.

En bloc confirmation Senator Klemish called up the eligible appointees on the en bloc confirmation calendar and moved the en bloc confirmation. "At this time, I call up the eligible appointees on the en bloc confirmation calendar," the senator said, and the Senate proceeded to a roll-call vote. The clerk announced 41 ayes and 0 nays and the en bloc nominees were declared confirmed.

Carolyn Schulte — Board of Parole and chair nomination Senator Dawson offered brief remarks in support of Carolyn Schulte's individual confirmation to the Board of Parole, saying Schulte "has done a fabulous job thus far" and moving her appointment. The Senate recorded that the nominee received the required two-thirds majority and confirmed her to the board. Senator Dawson then repeated those remarks when presenting Schulte for confirmation as chair of the Board of Parole and moved that appointment; the Senate again recorded that Schulte received the required two-thirds majority and confirmed her as chair.

Peter County — State Board of Regents A senator introduced Peter County's nomination to the State Board of Regents, noting his Iowa roots, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, a master’s degree from Drake University, and his executive role with the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation and community involvement in Des Moines. The nomination was moved and the clerk’s roll call was reported as 41 ayes and 1 nay; the nominee was confirmed.

Steve Lacy — State Board of Regents Senator Pike introduced Steve Lacy, citing Lacy’s bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA and noting his corporate leadership, board experience and community work. Other senators spoke in support, with one noting a long personal history of collaboration. Senator Pike moved Lacy’s confirmation; the clerk recorded 42 ayes and 0 nays and the nomination was confirmed.

After votes and confirmations, Senator Weiner noted Democrats would caucus briefly. The Senate recessed on a motion by Senator Kelker and adjourned until 1:45 PM.

Votes at a glance - En bloc confirmation: clerk reported 41 ayes, 0 nays — en bloc nominees confirmed. - Carolyn Schulte (Board of Parole; later chair): confirmed (transcript notes two-thirds majority; roll-call numbers for the individual confirmation are unclear in the record). - Peter County (State Board of Regents): clerk reported 41 ayes, 1 nay — confirmed. - Steve Lacy (State Board of Regents): clerk reported 42 ayes, 0 nays — confirmed.

What’s next: The Senate recessed until 1:45 PM; no additional actions on these nominations were recorded in the provided transcript.