(a) The department may create advisory committees as it deems necessary in accordance with Government Code Chapter 2110 to assist, advise, and provide expertise to the department, or as required by statute. Committees are not responsible for rulemaking or policymaking.
(b) The following provisions apply to an advisory committee established by the department, unless different requirements are imposed by statute:
  (1) Role and responsibility.
    (A) An advisory committee will review department issues and provide advice to the department.
    (B) An advisory committee may make recommendations to the department.
  (2) Composition.
    (A) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may appoint one or more department staff in a non-member position to assist each advisory committee. Such non-member positions are non-voting.
    (B) The commissioner or the commissioner's designee will appoint a reasonable number of members, not to exceed 24, to each advisory committee.
    (C) An advisory committee will be composed of members from diverse geographical areas who have demonstrated expertise in the area of the particular advisory committee.
    (D) The committee must select from among its members a presiding officer who presides over the advisory committee, establishes meeting agendas, and reports to the department.
  (3) Membership.
    (A) Members will be appointed for terms not to exceed four years. The commissioner or the commissioner's designee may appoint members for staggered terms. Members may serve after expiration of their term until the commissioner or the commissioner's designee appoints a replacement.
    (B) If a vacancy occurs, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee will appoint a qualified replacement to serve the unexpired portion of that term.
    (C) Membership is voluntary.
    (D) Members serve on an advisory committee without compensation. Travel reimbursement and per diem expenses incurred in performing official duties of membership will be permitted only if authorized by the Legislature in the General Appropriations Act or through the budget execution process under the Government Code Chapter 317 if the advisory committee is created after it is practicable to address the existence of the committee in the General Appropriations Act.
  (4) Meetings.
    (A) An advisory committee must meet at least quarterly unless otherwise directed by the commissioner or designee.
    (B) A meeting of the advisory committee may be called by the presiding officer, the commissioner, or the commissioner's designee.
    (C) A simple majority of advisory committee members will constitute a quorum. An advisory committee may transact official business only when a quorum is present.
    (D) An advisory committee must comply with the Open Meetings Act, Government Code Chapter 551.
  (5) Training.
    (A) Each member of an advisory committee must receive training regarding the Open Meetings Act.
    (B) Each member of an advisory committee must receive training as to the department's mission, organizational structure, and goals.
    (C) Each member of an advisory committee must receive training necessary to perform his or her official duties as a committee member.
  (6) Evaluation.
    (A) An advisory committee will regularly report to the commissioner or designee its recommendations.
    (B) When requested by the commissioner or the commissioner's designee, an advisory committee must file a report with the department containing:
      (i) the minutes of all meetings;
      (ii) an executive summary including details as to the committee's work and usefulness; and
      (iii) a list of recommendations.
  (7) Duration.
    (A) Unless an abolishment date is set by rule, an advisory committee will operate as long as the commissioner or the commissioner's designee deems necessary based on an annual evaluation of the need and usefulness of each committee.
    (B) If an abolishment date for a committee is set by rule, the committee will be abolished on its abolishment date.

Source Note: The provisions of this §1.2828 adopted to be effective May 13, 2012, 37 TexReg 3595