(a) There is hereby created within and as a part of the department the Kansas wildlife and parks commission, and such commission shall be composed of seven members. The governor shall appoint residents of this state to be members of the commission. One member of the commission shall be chosen from each fish and wildlife administration region as established by the department. In the appointment of members of the commission, the governor shall give consideration to the appointment of licensed hunters, fishermen and furharvesters, park users and to nonconsumptive users of wildlife and park resources. No more than a majority of the members shall be of the same political party. Each member of the commission shall hold office for a term of four years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. The governor shall fill any vacancy on the commission prior to the expiration of a term by appointment for the unexpired term.

(b) Each member of the commission shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation as required by law before taking office.

(c) The governor may remove a commissioner after opportunity for a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas administrative procedure act. If the commissioner is removed, the governor shall file in the office of the secretary of state a complete statement of all charges made against such commissioner and the governor’s findings thereon, together with a complete record of the proceedings.

(d) The commission shall have such powers, duties and functions as prescribed by law. Other than rules and regulations pertaining to personnel matters of the department, the secretary shall submit to the commission all proposed rules and regulations. The commission shall either approve, modify and approve, or reject such proposed rules and regulations. The secretary shall adopt such rules and regulations so approved or so modified and approved. Fees established for licenses, permits, stamps and other issues of the department shall be subject to the approval of the commission. It also shall be the duty of the commission to serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and the secretary in the formulation of policies and plans relating to the department.

(e) The governor shall designate one commission member to serve as chairperson of the commission. Members of the commission attending meetings of the commission, or attending a subcommittee meeting thereof authorized by the commission, shall be paid compensation, subsistence allowances, mileage and other expenses as provided in Kan. Stat. Ann. § 75-3223, and amendments thereto. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Meetings may be called by the chairperson and shall be called on the request of a majority of the members of the commission.