(a) The ABLE Program Advisory Committee is established to provide to the Board the committee's collective expertise as members, advocates, financial advisors, or supporters of the disability community regarding the administration of and experiences with the ABLE Program. The role and responsibility of the advisory committee is to advise and make recommendations to the Board. The goal of the advisory committee is to support the Board in ensuring that the needs of ABLE Program participants are met.
(b) The comptroller shall appoint at least five and not more than seven members to the advisory committee, including at least one member from each of the following groups:
  (1) persons with a disability who qualify for the program;
  (2) family members of a person with a disability who qualifies for the program;
  (3) representatives of disability advocacy organizations; and
  (4) representatives of the financial community.
(c) The comptroller shall designate one appointed member to act as the presiding officer of the advisory committee.
(d) The initial members appointed to the advisory committee shall serve for staggered terms, starting on the date of their appointment, with the first two appointees serving for a six-year term, the next two appointees serving for a four-year term and the remaining appointees serving for a two-year term. Members appointed to replace the initial appointed members shall serve for six-year terms from the date of their appointment.
(e) All advisory committee members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the comptroller. In the event of any vacancy occurring on the advisory committee, the comptroller shall appoint a replacement who shall serve the remainder of the unexpired term.
(f) The advisory committee shall meet at least once every six months or more frequently as the presiding officer or comptroller determines is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the committee.
(g) Two-thirds of the appointed members shall constitute a quorum.
(h) Members must complete training provided by the comptroller prior to being an active voting member of the committee.
(i) A member of the advisory committee is not entitled to compensation or reimbursement for travel expenses.
(j) In addition to any requirements provided by law, the advisory committee shall adopt and enforce an ethics and conflicts of interest policy that applies to all members of the advisory committee.
(k) The continuing need for the advisory committee shall be evaluated by the Board at least once every two years; the Board may abolish the advisory committee at any time it determines that the advisory committee is no longer needed.
(l) The advisory committee shall adopt a policy to ensure it complies with any applicable provisions of Government Code, Chapter 551 regarding open meetings.

Source Note: The provisions of this §7.198 adopted to be effective June 6, 2022, 47 TexReg 3271