(a) The goal of the commission is to coordinate research and distribute funding for research on the study of tick borne illness in Alabama and to make suggestions for the treatment of and reduction and eradication of tick borne illness in the state. Research may include methods of prevention, treatment, surveillance, diagnosis, risk prediction, outreach, and intervention of tick borne illness. The commission may not issue any recommendation that would create or define standards for the practice of medicine.

(b) Upon adjournment of the 2016 Regular Legislative Session, the commission shall schedule an initial meeting to organize and discuss a plan of action and create criteria and an application process for awarding research funds appropriated to the commission for such purposes, and the commission shall meet as necessary thereafter to achieve its goals.

(c) The commission shall report its findings and any proposed legislation to the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate annually by the third day of the regular session of the Legislature.

(d) Upon request of the chair of the commission, the Secretary of the Senate and Clerk of the House of Representatives shall provide necessary clerical assistance for the work of the commission.

(e) Each legislative member of the commission shall be entitled to his or her regular legislative compensation, per diem, and travel expenses for each day he or she attends a meeting of the commission in accordance with Amendment 871 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These payments shall be paid out of any funds appropriated to the use of the Legislature.