17-6-411. Microbusiness advisory council -- appointment of members -- organization -- nonvoting legislative consulting panel. (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5), there is a microbusiness advisory council composed of 13 members appointed by the governor from a list of candidates submitted by the director of the department after the department provides by rule for a process of requesting and receiving nominations from the public. No more than seven of the council members may live in the same congressional district as the congressional districts existed on December 31, 1990. At least three members must be representatives of certified community lead organizations. At least two of the three community representatives shall reside in communities with a population of less than 15,000. At least three members must be owners of qualified microbusinesses as defined in 17-6-403. At least two members must have expertise in administering loan funds. The membership must include representation of minorities, women, and low-income persons.
     (2) Members shall serve 4-year terms. A member appointed to fill an unexpired term shall serve until the term expires.
     (3) The members of the council shall elect a presiding officer and other officers as they determine necessary.
     (4) The council shall meet at least once each quarter and more often as the presiding officer or a majority of the members determine necessary.
     (5) (a) There is a legislative consulting panel of four members. The panel:
     (i) shall meet with the council, participate in deliberations of the council, and advise the council in performance of its functions under subsection (7) but may not vote on any motion before the council; and
     (ii) consists of:
     (A) two representatives, including one from each party, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
     (B) two senators, including one from each party, appointed by the committee on committees.
     (b) The members:
     (i) must be appointed on or before the 10th day of each regular session of the legislature and shall serve until the convening of the next regular session of the legislature. If a vacancy on the panel occurs during a legislative interim, that vacancy must be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
     (ii) are entitled to compensation in the same manner as members of the council, as provided in subsection (6).
     (6) Members of the council are not entitled to compensation for their services except for reimbursement of expenses as provided in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503.
     (7) The function of the council is to advise the department regarding the creation, operation, and maintenance of the program and the policies and operations affecting the certified microbusiness development corporations.

     History: En. Sec. 7, Ch. 602, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 413, L. 1995.