duties.

A. The “economic development commission” is created. The commission shall be a planning commission administratively attached to the department.

B. The commission shall:

(1)     provide advice to the department on policy matters;

(2)     oversee the economic development grant program as provided in the Economic Development Grant Act N.M. Stat. Ann. § 6-31-1 to 6-31-6;

(3)     review and approve applications for matching grants and award grants pursuant to the Economic Development Grant Act; and

(4)     be responsible for the annual approval and update of the state’s five-year economic development plan.

C. The commission shall consist of nine members who shall be qualified electors of the state, no more than five of whom at the time of appointment are members of the same political party. Members shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate. Seven members shall be appointed from their respective planning districts, the eighth member shall be a Native American and represent the interests of the Indian tribes and pueblos and the ninth member shall represent the public at large.

D. Appointments shall be made for five-year terms expiring on January 1 of the appropriate year. Commission members shall serve staggered terms as determined by the governor at the time of their initial appointment. Annually, the governor shall designate a chair of the commission from among the members.

E. The commission shall meet at the call of the chair, not less than once each quarter, and shall invite representatives of appropriate legislative committees, other state agencies and interested persons to its meetings for the purpose of information exchange and coordination.

F. Commission members shall not vote by proxy. A majority of the members constitutes a quorum for the conduct of business.

G. Members of the commission shall not be removed except for incompetence, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office; provided, however, no removal shall be made without notice of hearing and an opportunity to be heard having first been given the member being removed. The senate shall be given exclusive original jurisdiction over proceedings to remove members of the commission under such rules as the senate may promulgate. The senate’s decision in connection with such matters shall be final. A vacancy in the membership of the commission occurring other than by expiration of term shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but for the unexpired term only.

H. Commission members shall not be paid, but they are entitled to receive per diem and mileage as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act N.M. Stat. Ann. § 10-8-1 to 10-8-8.