(a) With the approval of the Commission and, except as otherwise provided by law, subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, the executive director shall appoint a staff of the Commission.

(b) (1) The Commission may employ 4 stewards and 4 harness judges.

(2) The stewards and harness judges shall be recommended by the executive director.

(3) Each licensee and organization that represents owners and trainers may recommend individuals to the Commission and executive director for appointment as stewards or harness judges.

(4) The stewards and harness judges are special appointments of the skilled service or the professional service in the State Personnel Management System.

(c) Each member of the staff of the Commission, steward, and harness judge is entitled to:

(1) compensation in accordance with the State budget; and

(2) reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(d) An individual who holds a position under the Commission may not hold an official relation to a licensee or hold any stocks, bonds, or other financial interest in a licensee.