(a) Members shall be appointed with consideration of geographic, racial, ethnic and gender diversity.
(b) Not more than four members may belong to the same political party. Party affiliation is determined by the appropriate entry on official election registration cards.
(2)(a) The term of office of each member is four years or until the end of a legislative member’s legislative term, whichever occurs first. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the appointing authority shall appoint a successor whose term begins immediately upon the expiration of the term of the current member. A member is eligible for reappointment but may serve no more than two consecutive terms.
(b) In case of a vacancy for any cause, the appointing authority shall appoint a person to fill the office for the unexpired term. When a person is appointed under this paragraph, the unexpired term may not be considered for purposes of the limitation to two consecutive terms of service.
(3) The Governor shall appoint one of the commissioners as chairperson, to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The members of the commission shall elect from among themselves a vice chairperson who shall preside over meetings and exercise the functions of the chairperson during absence or disability of the chairperson. The chairperson and vice chairperson shall execute the duties determined by the commission to be necessary.
(4) The chairperson shall appoint one member, subject to the approval of the commission, to serve on an executive committee with the chairperson and vice chairperson. The executive committee may exercise the powers and responsibilities of the commission between meetings of the commission. All action taken by the executive committee not previously authorized must be submitted to the commission for approval at the next regular or special meeting.
(5) A majority of the voting members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
(6) The commission shall meet at least once a month, at a time and place determined by the commission. The commission shall also meet at such other times and places as are specified by the call of the chairperson. If a majority of members, in writing, request a special meeting, the chairperson shall designate a time for a special meeting as requested.
(7) The Governor shall appoint an executive director for the commission who shall be in the exempt service and who shall be responsible for the performance of duties assigned by the commission. Subject to the State Personnel Relations Law, the executive director may employ appropriate staff to carry out the duties assigned by the commission.
(8) Members of the commission are entitled to expenses as provided in ORS 292.495. Subject to the availability of funds, members of a committee established under ORS 137.658 who are not commission members may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties, subject to ORS 292.495 (2). Any legislative members are entitled to payment of compensation and expense reimbursement under ORS 171.072, payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly.
(9) The commission is subject to the provisions of ORS 291.201 to 291.222 and 291.232 to 291.260.
(10) The commission shall consult with and seek advice and counsel of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the State Court Administrator on any matter that impacts the operation of the courts. The Chief Justice may have a representative participate in any meeting of the commission. [1995 c.420 §1; 1999 c.172 §1; 2001 c.919 §4; 2019 c.598 §2]
Note: See note under 137.651.