Section 5-303 - Membership.
§ 9.5-303. Membership.
(a) Composition; appointment.-
(1) The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.
(2) Of the nine Commission members:
(i) a majority shall be members of the Indian communities of the State; and
(ii) at least three shall be members of the Indian communities that are indigenous to the State.
(b) Qualifications.- Each member shall:
(1) have a demonstrable knowledge of Indian culture and history; and
(2) be sensitive to the problems of Indian communities.
(c) Applications.-
(1) An applicant for membership on the Commission shall submit under oath a list of the applicant's qualifications, including:
(i) educational history; and
(ii) employment background or other relevant experience.
(2) An applicant for membership on the Commission as an Indian member shall submit documentation or proof of Indian status under the sworn and notarized signature of the custodian of records of the membership rolls of that Indian's community.
(3) The Governor may require the production of any other documents to prove:
(i) the qualifications of the applicant; or
(ii) the standing or history of the Indian community to which the applicant claims membership.
(d) Tenure; vacancies.-
(1) The term of a member is 3 years.
(2) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(3) A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(4) A member may not serve more than 6 years consecutively.
[An. Code 1957, art. 41, § 6-903; 2007, ch. 3, § 2; 2008, ch. 521, § 2.]