(a) There is created the Alabama Athletic Commission composed of six members.

(b)(1) The membership of the commission shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state. The six initial members shall be as follows:

a. Two members appointed by the Governor.

b. One member appointed by the Alabama Athlete Agents Commission.

c. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

d. One member appointed by the President of the Senate.

e. One member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(2) Initial appointments by the Governor shall be for one and three years, the initial appointment by the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be for four years, the initial appointment of the President of the Senate shall be for two years, and the initial appointment of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall be for one year. The initial appointment by the commission shall be for four years. All subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms under the same procedures and requirements as appointments for full terms. Each member of the commission shall be a citizen of this state and no two members shall be from the same congressional district at the time of appointment.

(c) The commission shall elect a chair from among its membership for a term of one year. While serving as chair, a member may not vote on any matter coming before the commission. The commission may elect a vice chair from its membership for a term of one year. Any member serving as chair shall be eligible for successive election to the office by the commission. The chair may designate another member of the commission to perform the duties of chair in his or her absence. The commission may employ an executive director to manage the day-to-day operations of the commission within the available funds of the commission.

(d) A medical advisory panel of the commission shall be appointed by the Governor and shall consist of four persons licensed to practice medicine in this state, representing the specialties of neurology, ophthalmology, sports medicine, and general medicine. The medical advisory panel shall advise and assist the commission and its staff regarding issues and questions concerning the medical safety of professional boxers, tough man contestants, professional wrestlers, amateur mixed martial arts competitors, and professional mixed martial arts competitors including, but not limited to, matters relating to medical suspensions. The medical advisory panel may meet separately from the commission to discuss and formulate recommendations for the commission in connection with medical safety. Members of the medical advisory panel shall not be counted in determining a quorum of the commission and shall not vote as commission members.

(e) Each member of the commission and the medical advisory panel shall be reimbursed for expenses and travel as provided for public officials of this state.