§ 63M-2-301. The Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative and the Utah Science Technology and Research Governing Authority -- Creation -- Membership -- Meetings -- Staff. (Effective 5/13/2014)

(1) There is created the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative.

(2) To oversee the Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative, there is created the Utah Science Technology and Research Governing Authority consisting of the state treasurer, the executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, and the following eight members appointed as follows:

(a) three appointed by the governor;

(b) two appointed by the president of the Senate;

(c) two appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; and

(d) one appointed by the commissioner of higher education.

(3)

(a)

(i) The eight appointed members shall serve four-year staggered terms.

(ii) The appointed members may not serve more than two full consecutive terms.

(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (3)(a)(i), the terms of the first members of the governing authority shall be staggered by lot so that half of the initial members serve two-year terms and half serve four-year terms.

(4) Vacancies in the appointed positions on the governing authority shall be filled by the appointing authority with consent of the Senate for the unexpired term.

(5)

(a) The governor, with the consent of the Senate, shall select the chair of the governing authority to serve a one-year term.

(b) The executive director of the Governor's Office of Economic Development shall serve as the vice chair of the governing authority.

(6) The governing authority shall meet at least monthly and may meet more frequently at the request of a majority of the members of the governing authority.

(7) Five members of the governing authority are a quorum.

(8) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's service, but may receive per diem and travel expenses as allowed in:

(a) Section 63A-3-106;

(b) Section 63A-3-107; and

(c) rules made by the Division of Finance according to Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.

(9)

(a) After consultation with the USTAR governing authority, the governor, with the consent of the Senate, shall appoint a full-time executive director to provide staff support for the USTAR governing authority.

(b) The executive director is an at-will employee who may be terminated without cause by the governor or by majority vote of the USTAR governing authority.

Amended by Chapter 186, 2014 General Session