A. The “signed language interpreting practices board” is created.

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B. The board is administratively attached to the department with administrative staff provided by the department.

C. The governor shall appoint the members to serve on the board.

D. The board shall consist of seven members, at least two of whom are from each congressional district, as follows:

(1)     two licensed community interpreters and two licensed educational interpreters, at least one of whom is a deaf or hard-of-hearing person;

(2)     two deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind persons who are regular consumers of signed language interpreting services; and

(3)     one person representing the general public who has never been a licensed signed language interpreter and has no financial interest in the profession of signed language interpreting.

E. Members shall serve for staggered terms of three years each, except that the initial board shall be appointed so that the terms of three members expire June 30, 2009 and the terms of four members expire June 30, 2010.

F. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired term within ninety days of the vacancy. Board members shall serve until their successors have been appointed and qualified.

G. Members shall be paid per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-8-1 to 10-8-8 and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.

H. No member shall serve more than two consecutive terms. A member failing to attend three meetings, after proper notice, shall be recommended for removal as a board member unless excused for reasons set forth in board rules.

I. The board shall elect a chair and other officers as it deems necessary to administer its duties.

J. The board shall hold at least two meetings annually and additional meetings as the board deems necessary. The additional meetings may be held upon call of the chair or upon written request of four members. Four members of the board, including the public member, constitutes a quorum to conduct business.