How are board members appointed and approved?

There are six members, appointed by the governor.  After they are appointed, members must be approved by three-fifths of the members of the House and three-fifths of the members of the Senate acting separately (total members, not just those present).

What is the deadline for approving appointments?

Appointments may be made during session or during the interim.  In either case, the legislature would act when it is in session.  The deadline for approval is the earlier of 45 legislative days after appointment or adjournment sine die.  A legislative day is a day that either the House or Senate meets during a biennium.

·         If either house fails to approve an individual within that time period, the appointment terminates the day after the 45^th legislative day/adjournment sine die, whichever applies.

·         If either house votes not to confirm an appointment, the appointment terminates the day after the vote not to confirm.

What are the membership requirements for the board?

The board members must meet the following requirements:

·         Two must be former legislators of different parties

·         Two must be persons who have not been public officials as defined by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 10A, held any political party office other than precinct delegate, or been elected to a partisan office in the three years before the appointment

·         Two must support different political parties

·         Overall, no more than three board members may support the same political party

·         No board member may be a lobbyist while serving on the board

How long do board members serve?

Board terms are four years and end the first Monday in January.  Minn. Stat.

§ 15.0575, subd. 2.  Of the current members, one has a term ending January 2006. Two members’ terms end January 2007.  Two others have terms that end January 2008.  The sixth member was appointed in May 2005 and has not yet been confirmed.

How are vacancies handled?

Vacancies are filled by appointment for the duration of the time left in the term.  The new appointee must meet the criteria met by the departed member.  The approval process for individuals filling vacancies is the same as for members appointed to a full term.  Minn. Stat. § 10A.02, subd. 2.

Do board members receive compensation?

Members receive $55 per day if authorized by the board, plus expenses authorized by the Commissioner of Employee Relations’ plan.  Expenses include child care costs that would not otherwise be incurred.

Members who are full-time state or local government employees may not receive the daily payment and may receive child care reimbursement only for time outside normal work hours.  These individuals must not suffer loss in compensation or benefits as a result of board service and may receive expense reimbursement from the board unless compensated by another source.  Minn. Stat. § 15.0575, subd. 3.

May board members be removed?

The governor may remove a member:  (1) for cause, after notice and hearing, or (2) after the member misses three consecutive meetings.  Minn. Stat. § 15.0575, subd. 4.