(A) There is hereby created the commercial dog breeding advisory board consisting of all of the following members:

(1) The state veterinarian in the department of agriculture;

(2) The following six members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate:

(a) One member representing a humane society;

(b) One member who is a county dog warden;

(c) One member who is a veterinarian;

(d) One member representing animal rescues for dogs in this state;

(e) One member who is a member of a professional dog breeding association in this state;

(f) One member representing the public.

Initial appointments to the board shall be made not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section. Of the initial appointments, two shall be for one-year terms, two shall be for two-year terms, and two shall be for three-year terms. Thereafter, terms of office of appointed members shall be three years, with each term ending on the same day of the same month as did the term that it succeeds. Each member shall hold office from the date of appointment until the end of the term for which the member was appointed. Members may be reappointed. Vacancies shall be filled in the manner provided for the original appointments. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration date of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of the term. A member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of the member's term until the member's successor takes office or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

(B) The director of agriculture shall select a chairperson from among the board's members. A majority of the members of the board constitutes a quorum. The board shall meet at least four times a year in Columbus or at other locations selected by the chairperson. The chairperson shall determine the agenda for each meeting of the board.

Members of the board shall serve without compensation for attending board meetings. Members of the board shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of official duties as members of the board.

(C) The board shall do both of the following:

(1) Review rules that have been or are proposed to be adopted under section 956.03 of the Revised Code;

(2) Advise the director on the administration of this chapter and rules adopted under it.

Added by 129th General AssemblyFile No.150, SB 130, §1, eff. 3/13/2013.