2-15-2021. Gaming advisory council -- allocation -- composition -- compensation -- biennial report. (1) There is a gaming advisory council.

(2) The gaming advisory council is allocated to the department for administrative purposes only as prescribed in 2-15-121.

(3) The gaming advisory council consists of nine members. One member must be from the senate, and one member must be from the house of representatives. The senate committee on committees and the speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint the legislative members of the council. The seven remaining members must be appointed by the department, with one representing the public at large, two representing local governments, one being a Native American, and three representing the gaming industry.

(4) Each gaming advisory council member is appointed to a 3-year term of office. A member of the council may be removed for good cause by the appointing body provided for in subsection (3).

(5) The gaming advisory council shall appoint a presiding officer from its members.

(6) Members of the gaming advisory council are entitled to travel, meals, and lodging expenses as provided for in 2-18-501 through 2-18-503. A member who is not a full-time salaried officer or employee of the state or of a political subdivision of the state is also entitled to be paid $25 for each day during which the member is actually and necessarily engaged in the performance of council duties. Expenses of the council must be paid from licensing fees received by the department.

(7) The gaming advisory council shall, within its authorized budget, hold meetings and incur expenses as it considers necessary to study all aspects of gambling in the state.

(8) (a) The gaming advisory council shall submit a biennial report to the department, at a time designated by the department, with recommendations for amendments to the gambling statutes, the need for additional or modified department rules, the clarification of existing rules, and other recommendations on the operation of the department or any other gambling-related matter.

(b) The biennial report required under subsection (8)(a) must be affixed to the report on gambling in the state that the department submits that year.

(c) The council may submit interim reports to the department as the council considers necessary.

(d) The council shall meet with the department upon request of the department.

(e) The department shall meet with the council upon request of the council.

(9) The department shall give each council member notice and a copy of each proposed change in administrative rules relating to gambling. The notice and copy must be given at the time a notice of proposed rules changes is filed with the secretary of state. The council shall review the proposal, may comment on it, and may attend any hearing on the proposal. The department shall consider any comment by any council member or by the council as a whole prior to adopting the proposed change.