(a) In order to ensure broad representation and a quorum, all members of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Deaf and Hearing Impaired Telecommunications Services Corporation have a responsibility to attend all regular or special meetings of the board.
(b) A board member shall be subject to removal from the board in the event the member shall fail to present to the Governor a satisfactory excuse for his or her absence. Unexcused absences from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings shall constitute sufficient cause for removal.
(c) Removal of board members shall be in accordance with the following:
(1)
(A) Within thirty (30) days after each regular board meeting, the secretary of the board shall give written notice to the Governor of any member who has been absent from three (3) successive regular meetings without attending any intermediary called special meetings.
(B) The secretary's notice to the Governor shall include a copy of all meeting notices and attendance records for the past year.
(C) Failure by the secretary to submit the notices and documentation required by this chapter shall be considered cause for removal by the Governor in accordance with the procedures set forth at § 25-17-210;
(2) Within sixty (60) days after receiving the notice and supporting documentation from the secretary, the Governor shall notify, in writing, the board member of his or her intent to remove the member for cause. This notice shall suffice for the notice required in § 25-17-210(a);
(3) Within twenty (20) days after the date of the Governor's notice, the board member may request an excused absence as provided by this chapter or may file with the Governor's office notice that the member disputes the attendance records and the reasons therefor;
(4) The Governor shall grant an excuse for illness of the member when verified by a written sworn statement by the attending physician or other proper excuse as determined by the Governor; and
(5) If no rebuttal is received or other adequate documentation submitted within twenty (20) days after the date of the Governor's notice, the board member may be removed in accordance with the provisions set forth in § 25-17-210.
(d) Any board member referred to the Governor because of excessive absences under the provisions of this chapter shall not be entitled to any expense reimbursement for travel to or attendance at any subsequent meeting until the board receives notification from the Governor that the member has been excused for the absences.