There is created and established an Indian housing authority for the jurisdiction of the State of Alabama, to be styled the Alabama Indian Housing Authority. Its purpose shall be to provide safe and decent dwelling places for low-income persons and families in Indian areas.

The authority shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the commission from nominations submitted to the commission from the tribal councils of the following tribal governments:

(1) Cherokees of Southeast Alabama.

(2) Cherokees of Northeast Alabama.

(3) Echota Cherokees.

(4) Machis Creeks.

(5) Star Clan of Muscogee (Creeks).

No person shall be barred from serving as a member of the authority because the person is a tenant or home buyer in a tribal housing project.

Members of the authority shall serve a term of three years from their appointment, and may serve an unlimited number of terms. In the event of a vacancy on the authority, the commission shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term.

The authority shall select from among its members a chair, a vice-chair, and a secretary-treasurer. No member shall hold simultaneously two offices within the authority. The chair shall preside at meetings of the authority. The vice-chair shall preside in the absence of the chair. In the absence of both the chair and vice-chair, the secretary-treasurer shall preside.

The commission may remove any member of the authority for neglect of duty, inefficiency, or misconduct in office, but only after a hearing before the authority, and only after the member has been given a written notice of the charges at least 10 days prior to the hearing. At the hearing, the member shall have the opportunity to be heard in person or by counsel and to present witnesses.

Three members shall constitute a quorum for the conduct of business of the authority.

The principal place of business of the authority is Montgomery County, Alabama. Meetings of the authority may be held at other locations within the state upon notification of the members by certified mail, at least 10 days prior to the meeting date.

The authority may hire an executive director and such other personnel as may be necessary to administer the provisions of this section. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the authority.