(a) There is created the Scrap Tire Commission (STC) to review the implementation of this chapter, including the scrap tire program, and recommend changes to this chapter to the Legislature, as needed. The STC may promulgate regulations to establish procedures for its operations. On September 1, 2003, the present monies received under the existing Alabama Scrap Tire Study Commission (STSC) are transferred to the Scrap Tire Fund created herein.

(b) The Scrap Tire Commission shall be comprised of the following individuals or their designees or a representative of each of the authorities listed below:

(1) The State Health Officer.

(2) The Director of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

(3) The Alabama Department of Transportation.

(4) The Association of County Commissions of Alabama.

(5) The Alabama Tire Dealers Association shall be represented by two members, one of which shall be the president of the association.

(6) The Rubber Manufacturers Association.

(7) A representative of the scrap tire industry, appointed by the Governor.

(8) A representative of the scrap tire processing industry, appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

(9) A representative of the environmental community, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

(10) A representative of the scrap tire Class Two receivers, appointed by the Business Council of Alabama.

(c) The STC shall review the implementation of the law and effectiveness of the revenue derived from the law to accomplish the intended purposes and advise the Legislature and the department as appropriate.

(d) The STC shall meet quarterly for the first two years at a minimum, and thereafter as determined by the STC, but no less than annually. The department shall report scrap tire program status to the STC at each regularly called meeting of the STC. Expenses of the STC shall be paid from the Scrap Tire Fund.

(e) Members of the STC shall be reimbursed for expenses when attending meetings representing the STC from the Scrap Tire Fund. Reimbursement shall be approved and certified by the director of the department upon receipt of appropriate documentation in accordance with Sections 36-7-1 through 36-7-42.

(f) After seven years or upon the recommendation of the STC and the department, the Legislature shall consider reducing that portion of the scrap tire environmental fee directed towards cleanup. Provided, that any reduction in the scrap tire environmental fee shall become effective October 1 following the year in which the STC and the department concur that a reduction is in order. However, the fee shall not be reduced below fifty cents ($.50) in order to assure adequate enforcement of the law by the department and cooperating counties and to fund unanticipated cleanups, as needed.

(g) The STC shall establish the percentages for distribution of funds that accumulate in the Scrap Tire Fund, except as otherwise specified by this chapter.

(h) Prior to the promulgation of any proposed regulation dealing with this chapter, the department shall receive the approval of the STC. The STC shall provide the department a response to its request for approval within 60 days of receipt of such request unless such other time is mutually agreed upon by the department and the STC.

(i) STSC members representing those entities specified in subsection (b) shall continue as members of the new STC unless or until replacements are appointed.

(j) After September 1, 2003, existing members of the STSC, or their replacements who become members of the STC, must meet within 90 days. The department shall notify the STC of the time and place of the initial meeting.

(k) The department, through the STC, shall report biennially to the Legislature on the activities of the scrap tire programs authorized by this chapter, including recommendations. Such reports shall be submitted by the STC.