This is something advocates have requested for a long time. Senate Rules is the only standing committee authorized to meet during the interim. Not sure they can vote, but they can conduct the hearings and then vote when they go into session.
The Committee vote is whether to send it to the Senate floor for confirmation. The Senate floor vote can only happen during the session. Many of us have suffered through Senate Rules confirmation hearing while our legislation was not being heard. This is a big step forward.

You may consider thanking Chairwoman Katy Duhigg and Vice Chair Leo Jaramillo. I know I am going to thank them.

Dick Mason