(a) There is created no later than July 1, 2007, the Arkansas Milk Stabilization Board, to be composed of five (5) members appointed by the Governor as follows:
(1) Two (2) members who are actively and principally engaged in dairy farming in this state;
(2) One (1) member who is an Arkansas consumer;
(3) One (1) member who is an Arkansas milk processor; and
(4) One (1) member who is an Arkansas retailer.
(b) Each member appointed to the board shall be appointed for a term of five (5) years except that the initial members of the board shall be appointed for terms that result in:
(1) One (1) member's term expiring after one (1) year;
(2) One (1) member's term expiring after two (2) years;
(3) One (1) member's term expiring after three (3) years;
(4) One (1) member's term expiring after four (4) years; and
(5) One (1) member's term expiring after five (5) years.
(c) Members of the board shall draw lots to determine the length of the initial term.
(d)
(1) Not less than thirty (30) calendar days before the expiration of the terms of the members of the board under subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(4) of this section, interested parties shall submit to the Governor the names of nominees for the positions to be filled, and the Governor shall appoint the new members from each list of nominees.
(2) If no lists are submitted, the appointments shall be at the discretion of the Governor.
(3) Each member selected for the board shall serve for a term of five (5) years except as provided in subsection (b) of this section and until his or her successor is selected as provided in this subsection.
(4) A member of the board may be removed by a majority vote of the remaining board members for:
(A) Conviction of a felony;
(B) Failing to attend three (3) consecutive meetings; or
(C) No longer meeting the qualifications for his or her initial appointment.
(e) Upon a vacancy of a member of the board, the Governor shall make a new appointment within thirty (30) days.
(f) Members of the board shall organize immediately after their appointment and shall elect a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary-treasurer from the membership of the board, whose duties shall be those customarily exercised by those officers or specifically designated by the board.
(g)
(1) Meetings of the board shall be called by the chair or by four (4) members of the board.
(2) Four (4) members of the board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business of the board.
(h) The members of the board shall receive no salary or other compensation for their services except that they may receive expense reimbursement in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq. for attending meetings of the board.
(i) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall assist the board when necessary by providing resources and guidance.