A. The "tourism commission" is created. The commission shall be a planning commission administratively attached to the department. The commission shall provide advice to the department on policy matters. The commission shall be responsible for the annual approval and update of the state's five-year tourism plan. The commission shall consist of seven members who shall be qualified electors of the state of New Mexico, no more than four of whom, at the time of their appointment, shall be members of the same political party and at least one of whom shall be a Native American. Members shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. Two members shall be appointed from each of the three congressional districts. One member shall be appointed from the state at large.

B. Appointments shall be made for seven-year terms expiring on January 1 of the appropriate year. Commission members shall serve staggered terms as determined by the governor at the time of their initial appointment. Annually, the governor shall designate a chairman of the commission from among the members.

C. The commission shall meet at the call of the chairman, not less than once each quarter, and shall invite representatives of appropriate legislative committees, other state agencies and interested persons to its meetings for the purpose of information exchange and coordination.

D. Commission members shall not vote by proxy. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business.

E. Members of the commission shall not be removed except for incompetence, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. Provided, however, no removal shall be made without notice of hearing and an opportunity to be heard having first been given the member being removed. The senate shall be given exclusive original jurisdiction over proceedings to remove members of the commission under such rules as it may promulgate. The senate's decision in connection with such matters shall be final. A vacancy in the membership of the commission occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.

F. Commission members shall not be paid, but shall receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act [10-8-1 to 10-8-8 NMSA 1978].

History: 1978 Comp., § 9-15A-8, enacted by Laws 1993, ch. 101, § 10.

Effective dates. — Laws 1993, ch. 101 contained no effective date provision, but, pursuant to N.M. Const., art. IV, § 23, was effective June 18, 1993, 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature.