(a)    There is a Commission on Aging in the Department.

(b)    (1)    The Commission consists of 13 members appointed by the Governor as follows:

(i)    1 shall be a member of the Senate of Maryland, who may not vote;

(ii)    1 shall be a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, who may not vote; and

(iii)    11 shall be selected to reflect the geographic diversity of the State and because of their interest in the needs of seniors.

(2)    At least 7 members shall be at least 55 years old.

(c)    (1)    The term of a member of the Commission is 4 years.

(2)    The terms of members appointed under subsection (b)(1)(iii) of this section are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2007.

(3)    A member of the Commission appointed under subsection (b)(1)(iii) of this section may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

(4)    At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(5)    A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(d)    From among the members of the Commission, the Governor shall designate a chair.

(e)    A member of the Commission:

(1)    may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but

(2)    is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations as provided in the State budget.

(f)    The Commission shall:

(1)    exercise the powers and perform the duties specified in this title;

(2)    review:

(i)    ongoing statewide programs and activities for seniors; and

(ii)    new statewide programs for seniors before the programs are implemented; and

(3)    make recommendations to the Secretary about statewide programs and activities for seniors.