(a) There is established a Manufacturing Innovation Advisory Board that shall consist of the following members: (1) Four appointed by the Governor; (2) one appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate; (3) one appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; (4) one appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; (5) one appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives; (6) one appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; (7) one appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; and (8) the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, or the commissioner's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the advisory board. Each appointed member shall (A) have skill, knowledge and experience in industries and sciences related to aerospace, medical devices, digital manufacturing, digital communication or advanced manufacturing; (B) be a university faculty member in or hold a graduate degree in a related discipline, including, but not limited to, additive manufacturing and materials science; (C) have manufacturing education and training expertise; or (D) represent manufacturing related businesses or professional organizations. All initial appointments to the advisory board pursuant to this subsection shall be made not later than July 1, 2014. Appointed members shall each serve a term that is coterminous with the respective appointing authority. Each member shall hold office until a successor is appointed. Any vacancy occurring on the advisory board, other than by expiration of term, shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the balance of the unexpired term.

(b) The chairperson shall call the first meeting of the advisory board not later than September 30, 2014. The advisory board shall meet at such times as the chairperson deems necessary.

(c) No member of the advisory board shall receive compensation for such member's services, except that each member shall be entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of such member's official duties.

(d) A majority of the members of said advisory board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the advisory board. The advisory board may act by a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is in attendance, for the transaction of any business or the exercise of any power of the advisory board, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(e) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, it shall not constitute a conflict of interest for a trustee, director, partner, officer, manager, shareholder, proprietor, counsel or employee of an eligible recipient, or any individual with a financial interest in an eligible recipient, to serve as a member of the advisory board, provided such trustee, director, partner, officer, manager, shareholder, proprietor, counsel, employee or individual shall abstain from deliberation, action or vote by the advisory board concerning any matter relating to such eligible recipient.

(P.A. 14-98, S. 48.)

History: P.A. 14-98 effective May 22, 2014.