Senate Rules Committee advances multiple governor appointments, including AQMD nominee

The Senate Rules Committee advanced several of Gov. Newsom’s appointments and completed add-on roll calls after a short recess for closed session. Chair Limon opened the meeting and the committee processed a series of not-required-to-appear appointments before hearing two nominees who appeared in person.

After testimony and questioning, the committee moved votes on multiple items and left some tallies open for absent members to add on. On return from closed session, the committee recorded final add-on votes: Kelly Dermody’s appointment to the California State University Board of Trustees was moved to the full Senate on a 4–1 committee vote; Andrea Evans was approved 5–0 in committee; and Dr. Cedric Jamie Rutland’s nomination to the South Coast Air Quality Management District board was recorded as approved in committee following add-on votes. "That appointment has 4 votes. It will move forward, to the senate for full confirmation," the chair said after the Rutland tally.

The committee also referred bills to committees (item 3) and scheduled remaining business. The rules committee recessed into closed session and returned to complete add-on votes before adjourning.