(a) The State Human Relations Commission consists of 18 members, all of whom are appointed by the Governor and, collectively, meet all of the following criteria:
(1) Broadly represent the various racial and cultural groups of this State.
(2) All reasonable efforts must be made to ensure that each county is represented by at least 5 members.
(b) Commission appointments are for 4-year terms. The Governor may appoint a member for a term of less than 4 years to ensure that no more than 5 members' terms expire in 1 year.
(c) A Commission member serves without compensation but is reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, except that a member designated by the Chair to serve on hearing panels is compensated the sum of $50 per day,up to a maximum of $1,500 in a calendar year, for each day spent attending a hearing.
(d) A Commission member may be removed at any time for gross inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office.
(1) A member is deemed in neglect of duty if the member, without good cause, is absent from 3 consecutive meetings or attends less than 50% of meetings in a calendar year.
(2) A member deemed in neglect of duty is considered to have resigned. The Commission Chair shall immediately notify the Governor of the resignation.
(e) The Commission shall adopt bylaws that provide for operating procedures, such as election of officers, appointment of committees, conducting of meetings, and other matters that promote the Commission's efficient operation.
(f) A majority of appointed members must be present at a meeting in order to have a quorum and conduct official business.