Section 216A.162. Establishment — purpose.

  1.  A commission of Native American affairs is established consisting of eleven voting members appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate.

  2.  The purpose of the commission shall be to work in concert with Native American groups and Native Americans in this state to advance the interests of Native Americans in the areas of human rights, access to justice, economic equality, and the elimination of discrimination.

  3.  The members of the commission shall be as follows:

  a.  Seven public members appointed in compliance with sections 69.16 and 69.16A who shall be appointed with consideration given to the geographic residence of the member and the population density of Native Americans within the vicinity of the geographic residence of a member. Of the seven public members appointed, at least one shall be a Native American who is an enrolled tribal member living on a tribal settlement or reservation in Iowa and whose tribal government is located in Iowa.

  b.  Four members selected by and representing tribal governments.

  c.  All members of the commission shall be residents of Iowa.

  4.  Members of the commission shall appoint one of their members to serve as chairperson and may appoint such other officers as the commission deems necessary. The commission shall meet at least four times per year and shall hold special meetings on the call of the chairperson. The members of the commission shall be reimbursed for actual expenses while engaged in their official duties. A member may also be eligible to receive compensation as provided in section 7E.6. A majority of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. A quorum shall be required for the conduct of business of the commission, and the affirmative vote of a majority of the currently appointed members is necessary for any substantive action taken by the commission. A member shall not vote on any action if the member has a conflict of interest on the matter, and a statement by the member of a conflict of interest shall be conclusive for this purpose.

2008 Acts, ch 1184, §40

; 2008 Acts, ch 1191, §52, 53

; 2010 Acts, ch 1031, §162, 163, 170

Confirmation, see §2.32