(a) There is created an International Voting Rights Trail Commission. The commission shall be responsible for educating people about the significant historical events associated with the trail and the voting rights movement and promoting economic development and tourism in connection with the trail inclusive of counties and cities that were sites of significant events that impacted the trail's inception. The commission may receive funds from any legal source and disburse those funds in furtherance of its mission.

(b) The commission shall coordinate its efforts with the Alabama Historical Commission, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the Alabama Development Office, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the State Department of Tourism and Travel, the Department of Conservation and National Resources, and the National Park Service.

(c) The commission shall perform all of the following duties:

(1) Work with the National Park Service, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Alabama Historical Commission in the coordination of projects and activities to promote the historical significance of the trail.

(2) Work with the Department of Tourism and Travel to promote tourism in, on, around, and in conjunction with the trail.

(3) Work with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Development Office, county commissions, and local city officials to encourage businesses and tourist attractions located in the vicinity of the trail.

(4) Work with the Alabama Department of Transportation on any purpose included in this article.

(d) The commission shall consist of 28 members who shall be appointed in the following manner:

(1) Three members appointed by the Governor.

(2) One member appointed by the Member of Congress representing the Seventh Congressional District.

(3) One member appointed by the members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

(4) One member appointed by the members of the Alabama Historical Commission.

(5) One member appointed by the members of the Montgomery City Council.

(6) One member of the Montgomery County Commission.

(7) One member appointed by the members of the Montgomery Improvement Association.

(8) One member appointed by the members of St. Jude of Montgomery.

(9) One member appointed by the members of Mt. Zion Church of Montgomery.

(10) One member appointed by the members of the Lowndes County Commission.

(11) One member appointed by the members of the Hayneville Town Council.

(12) One member appointed by the members of the Lowndes County Christian Movement.

(13) One member appointed by the members of the White Hall Town Council.

(14) One member appointed by the members of the Dallas County Commission.

(15) One member appointed by the members of the Dallas County Voters League.

(16) One member appointed by the Board of Directors of the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute.

(17) One member appointed by the members of the Selma City Council.

(18) One member appointed by the members of the Perry County Commission.

(19) One member appointed by the members of the Marion Town Council.

(20) One member appointed by the members of the Perry County Civic League.

(21) One member appointed by the members of Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church.

(22) One member appointed by the members of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Church.

(23) One member appointed by the members of the First Baptist Church located on Martin Luther King Street in Selma.

(24) One member appointed by the Macon County Commission.

(25) One member appointed by the Tuskegee City Council.

(26) One member appointed by the City Council of Shorter.

(e) The members of the commission shall serve staggered three-year terms. The initial terms of the members shall be determined by lot, one-third for one year, one-third for two years, and one-third for three years. Membership on the commission shall, as nearly as possible, equally represent each county with appointing authorities appointed in each of the years of the staggered terms.

(f) The commission shall have the power to establish an executive committee of seven persons and establish its duties, responsibilities, and authorities consistent with the provisions of this article.