32-1302. Advisory committee; members; appointment; terms; compensation; meetings; duties; annual evaluation

A. An advisory committee is established to collaborate with and assist the director in performing the duties prescribed in this chapter.  The advisory committee consists of seven members who are appointed by the governor pursuant to section 38-211. Advisory committee members serve at the pleasure of the governor for staggered terms of four years beginning and ending on January 1 unless removed by the governor. The governor shall appoint a member for the unexpired portion of a term to fill a vacancy occurring during a term of office.  The advisory committee shall include:

1. Two members who are funeral directors licensed under this chapter.

2. One member who is an embalmer licensed under this chapter.

3. One member who is a cremationist licensed under this chapter.

4. Three public members who are residents of this state, one of whom is an owner or manager of a business that has no pecuniary or proprietary interest in a funeral establishment or crematory or in the sale of funeral goods and services. The public members shall not be licensed under this chapter currently or have been licensed under this chapter in the five years preceding appointment.

B. Members of the advisory committee shall not receive compensation but shall be reimbursed for subsistence expenses pursuant to section 38-624 and travel expenses pursuant to section 38-623.

C. The advisory committee shall annually select from its membership a chairperson for the advisory committee.

D. The advisory committee shall hold meetings:

1. Twice per year at a time and place designated by the chairperson.

2. At the director's request.

E. The advisory committee shall:

1. Provide the director with such recommendations as it deems necessary and beneficial to the best interests of the public.

2. Provide recommendations on specific questions or proposals as the advisory committee deems necessary or as requested by the director.

F. The advisory committee shall annually present to the governor an evaluation of the performance of the director and the department relating to enforcing and administering this chapter.