Senate To Vote Wednesday On Public Safety Chief

A panel of senators previously advised that Nolan Espinda not serve a second four-year term.

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The embattled director of the state Department of Public Safety will learn his fate Wednesday when the state Senate is expected to take up his confirmation vote.

Earlier this month a Senate committee voted unanimously against recommending that Nolan Espinda serve a second term running the state’s jails, prisons and sheriffs department.

Director of Public Safety Noland Espinda speaks at the end of testimony.
Director of Public Safety Nolan Espinda speaking at the end of testimony on his confirmation. Cory Lum/Civil Beat

But Gov. David Ige stands by his nomination.

Espinda needs a majority vote in the 25-member Senate.

Suzanne Case, chair of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, will also receive a final Senate vote Wednesday.

Her nomination has not been heavily contested, as has been the case with Espinda.

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